Boost Your Brain

Lifestyle Changes To Improve Your Mind

Gold Coast Private Neurosurgeon Dr Lee Yang

Your brain affects every aspect of your life - it keeps you alive, shapes your thoughts, holds your memories, regulates your emotions and governs your every move. So why is it often the last thing we consider when thinking about our overall health? We know we need to exercise and eat well to keep our body healthy, but many of us don’t consider how we treat our brains.

Here, we’ll explore some healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily life to support cognitive function, improve emotional wellbeing, boost mental clarity and protect your most important asset – your brain.

Challenge Accepted

Just like a muscle, your brain thrives on stimulation - the more you challenge your brain, the more it expands, grows and adapts. You can keep your brain agile by helping it create new neural pathways through activities like puzzles, crosswords, learning a new language, reading or playing a musical instrument.

Nourish Your Brain with a Healthy Diet

Your brain needs the right fuel to function at its best. Prioritise a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, nuts and seeds, are especially beneficial for brain health, and always ensure you’re adequately hydrated.

Prioritise Regular Physical Activity

Ever noticed how great you feel after exercise? That’s because your brain loves it just as much as your body! Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, supporting the growth of new neurons and boosting mood by releasing endorphins. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class or yoga, staying active helps protect against cognitive decline and enhances overall mental wellbeing.

Safety First

Protect your brain like your life depends on it…because it does. Always wear a helmet if you’re riding, skiing, snowboarding or even surfing; buckle up in the car and strap-on the head gear if you’re playing contact sport. If you sustain a head injury, take it seriously. Even minor concussions can have long-term effects so be sure to seek proper medical attention.

Manage Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Chronic stress, anxiety and depression can take a toll on brain function so it’s important to seek support from a mental health professional if needed. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation or deep breathing to help regulate stress levels and keep your nervous system on an even keel.

Sleep Quality Is Essential

Sleep is your brain’s time to reset and repair itself so aim for 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time after 7pm, avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, and create a dark, restful environment to ensure your brain gets the restorative sleep it needs.

Be Proactive About Your Health

Scheduling regular health check-ups can help identify potential issues early before they become chronic. Some key indicators to monitor include blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid function and cholesterol. Talk to your GP about organising a full health assessment.

Avoid Harmful Substances

Smoking and using illegal drugs can harm your brain’s structure and function. Avoiding these activities is crucial if you want to protect your brain for the long term.

Your Brain, Your Legacy

Developing healthy brain habits isn’t just about living longer - it’s about living better. Make these small, brain-friendly lifestyle changes to help safeguard your biggest asset, because nurturing your brain through diet, exercise, stimulation and rest gives you the best chance of enjoying a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Gold Coast Private Hospital is recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Neurosurgery. If your brain needs medical attention, we have a comprehensive team of neurologists and neurosurgeons providing outstanding care. Find out more about our services and specialists here.