Your gray matter MATTERS! Check out how you can take care of this complex part of your overall well-being!

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Friday, everyone! Welcome to today’s “Mindfulness by Miles!” In these articles, I talk about topics related to work, wealth, health, and our overall well-being. My hope is that the lifestyle tips and tricks I share with you will help boost your career without compromising your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Today, I’ll discuss the importance of brain health. Keep reading to learn more about the brain’s crucial role and how you can take care of this complex body organ. Also, I’ll be publishing a new article at Fast Company this week. There, I’ll talk about what it takes to go from being an “Employer of Choice” to a “Client of Choice.” Feel free to check it out! I assure you, you’ll learn lots of insights on how you can thrive in a changing work landscape. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Your gray matter MATTERS! Check out how you can take care of this complex part of your overall well-being! The brain is one of the most vital organs in the human body, and it is responsible for controlling every aspect of our physical and mental functioning. Simply said, maintaining brain health is crucial for our overall well-being and quality of life! That’s why lately, I’ve been exploring the importance of brain health and some steps we can take to promote it. First and foremost, the brain is responsible for regulating all of our bodily functions. It is the conductor of our heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. What’s more? It is also responsible for our ability to move, think, reason, and communicate. This means when our brain health is compromised, we can experience a range of negative consequences such as cognitive decline, memory loss, and mental health disorders. One of the most significant threats to brain health is neurodegenerative diseases, which include Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. These ailments cause a progressive loss of brain cells, which then results in various symptoms like memory loss, body movement and coordination difficulties, and mood changes. Unfortunately, experts and scientists haven’t found a cure yet for such illnesses… but worry not! Researchers have identified several lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of developing them. I believe it’s important to share these things with you this week, so I’ve broken them down into the top 3 most important lifestyle habits followed by some techniques you can use to further enhance your brain’s overall health: Physical activity: Movement is one of the most effective ways to promote brain health. In fact, exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving cognitive function. Regular exercise has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Diet: Another important factor in maintaining brain health is diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Blueberries, fatty fishes, and nuts have been shown to be particularly beneficial for brain health. Sleep: Getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night is essential for the brain to recharge and repair itself. Various studies show that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a range of negative consequences such as cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing other brain diseases. Tips and Tricks In addition to these lifestyle factors, I believe there are other ways to promote brain health. One of them? Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing, and playing puzzles or other brain games! Personally, I’m a big fan of Sudoku. This logic-based, combinatorial number-placement puzzle served me well during my years traveling the globe as PricewaterhouseCooper’s (PwC) Global Advisory and Consulting CEO. I still play Sudoku whenever I have time to spare. Another trick to keeping your brain healthy is through participating in various social activities. Being social has been scientifically linked to better brain health, as interaction with others stimulates the brain and promotes positive emotions. To clarify, this does not simply mean texting, calling, or gaining more LinkedIn connections, Facebook friends, or Twitter and Instagram followers. What I mean here is actual human interaction. It’s important for all of us to take note of this: Just because these online platforms are called “social media,” that does not mean they are actually social or promote social interactions. Sometimes, these apps can even damage relationships because people choose to get hooked on their phones rather than talk to those who are with them physically. As for the introverts, I understand that some of you struggle with social interactions, so don’t pressure yourself to participate in ALL social activities. Just join those you’re comfortable with so you’ll feel refreshed instead of burned out. — In conclusion, maintaining brain health is essential for our overall well-being and quality of life. This is because a healthy brain allows us to think clearly, communicate effectively, and enjoy all that life has to offer. By incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and restful sleep, we can protect our brain health and reduce our risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. I hope you find today’s topic insightful and fun to read! If you’d like to read more of my health and mindfulness tips, feel free to follow my LinkedIn account.     Follow us on LinkedIn.