Do you ever feel like your brain just needs a little more attention
physically and mentally?
Our brain is the “control center” of our body. It
controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing,
temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. I would
say it definitely deserves some love!
So what kind of things can we be doing to help in this department? Let’s
take a look…
Our brains need fuel to function optimally. But not just any ol’ fuel - proper
fuel. Our brains need foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins and
minerals. These provide the brain with energy and protection, as well as
support a healthy gut and inflammation response. A healthy gut means the hormones and neurotransmitters that affect cognitive function are working properly - the cycle can operate the way it should.
Try incorporating these foods into your diet: avocados; beets; blueberries
and other berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries; bone
broth; broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale and
Brussels sprouts; celery; coconut oil; dark chocolate; egg yolks, extra virgin olive oil; green leafy vegetables; rosemary and other herbs; salmon;
turmeric; walnuts and other nuts.
Yum! Which of these do you want to eat first?
Regular cardiovascular exercise increases your heart rate and increases
blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body. According to a recent
study, individuals who were highly physically active showed 38% less risk of cognitive decline, and those who did low-to-moderate level exercise also showed a significantly 35% reduced risk. So don’t be afraid to break a sweat - it’s good for your brain!
What form of exercise do you want to start incorporating?
The brain needs exercise to stay in shape, right? So challenge it daily with
activities that stimulate it and keep it sharp. Research has shown that
challenging your mind in this way can boost your memory, concentration,
and focus. It can even make daily tasks quicker and easier if you make it a
regular thing. So what kind of activities can you do?
Put together a jigsaw puzzle, do a crossword puzzle, or play sudoku.
Engage in a card game like solitaire, bridge, rummy, or poker. Play an
instrument. Don’t know how to play? Pull up videos online and learn! Read
a book - or two. Research has shown it strengthens your brain by
improving connectivity.
Which activity do you want to implement first?
You can absolutely use essential oils to love on your brain. First of all, let
me share this amazing nugget of information with you. Our sense of smell
is the only one of our senses that connects to the limbic system, the
emotional control center of our brain. This system supports things like
behavior, motivation, and long term memory. It’s even connected to the
parts of the brain that control heart rate, hormones, blood pressure,
breathing, and stress. So grab those essential oils - from Young Living - and use them! Diffuse them or apply them topically and inhale! Here are some good ones to grab…
- Peppermint - purifying & stimulating to the conscious mind
- Rosemary - creates an environment conducive to work or study
- Clarity - promotes feelings of stability, focus, & a sense of productivity
- Brain Power - creates clarity & stability for an environment conducive to work or study
- M-Grain - creates an atmosphere conducive to releasing tension & daily stressors
- Geneyus - promotes an atmosphere for inspiration, productivity, & positivity
- Common Sense - promotes feelings of clarity & stability
Which oil do you think you will gravitate to most?
Ideally, you would get all the nutrients you need to support your brain
from the food and drinks you ingest. However, that’s not always practical
nor achievable for all. You might want to consider adding in some quality
supplements to your daily routine. Young Living has plenty to offer in this
department, plus they’re essential oil-infused, which makes them even
more powerful. Here are some you might want to look into…
MindWise - supports cognitive health using CoQ10, ALCR, GPC
ingredients, turmeric, fruit, & premium essential oils
NingXia Red - an antioxidant drink that provides a nutritive infusion for
whole-body support
OmegaGize³ - combines the power of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3,
& CoQ10 along with essential oils to support normal brain function
NingXia Nitro - a delicious wolfberry drink that increases cognitive
alertness & enhances mental fitness
Master Formula - a full-spectrum supplement that provides vitamins &
minerals that supports brain function and more
Super B - a comprehensive B-vitamin supplement that supports a
healthy mood & cognitive function
What supplements do you want to start implementing?
When keeping brain health at the forefront of your mind, you most
definitely want to do your best to get proper rest. Sleep deprivation or
non-restorative sleep can have quite a negative impact on your cognitive
functioning - things like memory and judgment impairment, mood swings,
headaches, and clumsiness. When you are sleep-deprived, you can actually over-exert a portion of your brain that can impair things like concentration, alertness, and coordination. So how do you ensure you get enough rest?
Here are some suggestions…
-Get around 7-9 hours a night of sleep; preferably around the same time
every day.
-Get regular exercise. Not only can it help increase the effectiveness of
your sleep, it can help you release tension and stress.
-Spend time without screens and other technology distractions. Meditate,
stretch, read… give yourself time to unplug as you end the day.
What other ways can you help reduce your stress and get more rest?
Not only does the physical health of your brain matter, but the emotional
health of your brain matters as well. Depression can actually lead to
impaired brain function, learning, memory, and attention. It can even
reduce the speed at which your brain processes information and lead to
other things like poor psycho-social skills. We don’t want that!
But don’t try to “fix” something like depression on your own. Seek out help
from others, ideally from a licensed healthcare professional.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a great place to start
your journey to better mental health: https://www.samhsa.gov. Love your
brain from the inside out!
What are some ways you can keep a positive attitude and boost your
mood? Share your tips!
I mentioned several essential oils and supplements from Young Living that I think your brain will love. So now let me tell you the most cost effective
way to get them! Friends don’t let friends pay full price! Am I right?
Send me a message and we will talk through it all!
Smile, it’s contagious
Vern Smoker/Young Living Support
We had the biggest garden in the neighborhood! No kidding.
We went out early in the morning, walked through rows and rows of corn until the wheel barrow was full and over flowing only to have to huck each ear that we picked and making sure not to let that white hair on the cob.
On the same day we picked what seemed to me like at least a hundred rows of peas and…(long rows I might add), but in all reality maybe 6 or 7 rows. And get this…we hauled the peas all by hand! The day my mom found a place to take the peas that actually went into a machine, imagine that! and… bingo…done! That was the best day ever!
Why is it that we feel the need to be productive all the time and… guilty if we’re not?
For me… it’s the culture I was raised in. I was taught to work and work hard. Always another weed to pull in the garden. Clean the house, help with meal prep…(not really my cup of tea). For the most part my older sister cooked and I cleaned. I preferred it that way. Lazy was not in our vocabulary. But one thing I learned is work ethic and for that I am grateful.
Do you feel guilty taking a nap in the middle of the day? I know I do, I feel like I always need to be productive. Really now; I certainly don’t want to look lazy do I? But guess what? I’m starting to change that mind set. In fact today I did just that! I took a nap! And it felt amazing!!
I’m learning that I need to be kind to myself. To treat my body and my mind with respect. Taking care of me is important. I may be learning it a bit late in life but non the less… It’s true. If I don’t schedule something and put (ME) on my calendar, I wouldn’t get it done. And no, it’s not being selfish to take care of you. In fact, it should be a priority. If mama is tired and grouchy ain’t no one happy and believe it or not… we do set the tone and the atmosphere in our home. If MaMa ain’t happy; ain’t no one happy. I kinda don’t like that.
Recharging our batteries is so so important!
Here are things I do:
- shopping totally by myself with no agenda and no time frame
- coffee with a friend at my favorite coffee shop
- sitting on my porch with a good cup of coffee and no agenda
- getting a pedicure while sitting on a relaxing massage chair
- taking a walk with my dog
Most times I am energized by people but I do need my space and alone time too.
Maybe just a walk is all you need. Walking can help relieve stress. It’s when I think and pray and listen to music. Did you know that breathing fresh air and feeling your body move is a natural stress-relief?
Studies found that walking in a natural environment had greater effects for stress relief than walking in an urban setting. If you don’t live in the country, try finding a park or a beach a lake or the mountains… somewhere where you are surrounded by nature and see if it makes a difference. Remember, it’s like charging your batteries. Dead batteries get you no where.
But…back to that nap! I think I’ll do more of those. Seriously! And without guilt. Well maybe just a twinge.
So…how do you recharge and refuel? What are some ways you unwind from the stresses of life? Please comment below.
I highly recommend that power nap! Even 15 minutes. It’s really ok. Just remind yourself you’re not lazy. Just like we keep our car full of gas to keep going down the highway…so it is with our bodies.
We need to refuel (US) so we can keep going for our families and... all the demands put on us as women.
By all means I highly recommend putting a diffuser with essential oils in your home and also in your bedroom while you sleep.
Check out some of my favorites self care, feel good oils.
- Orange - Uplifting
- Stress Away - (my favorite) helps remove stress
- Rosemary -eases anxiety
- Basil - fights mental fatigue
- Helichrysum - clarifying and grounding
P.S.
Self care is not being selfish. In fact it’s essential in finding peace in this crazy, sometimes overwhelming world we live in. We are better at supporting other by being refreshed and strong in order to serve and support other.
Smile at someone today, it’s contagious
Verna Smoker
Young Living Support
