How is your brain health? This time of year, some people are sad because they are missing family members or because of lack of sunlight. Others are overwhelmed with the number of tasks that need to be completed in a certain amount of time either because of a holiday, an end-of-year deadline, or assignments they have no control over.
All of this affects our brain health. Too many people see their glass as half empty instead of half full. They don’t appreciate what they have and they want a bigger glass. They concentrate on their aches and pains, their losses and disappointments, their grievances and their grudges. Some even fuel their animosity and hatred with their thoughts and words.
Research confirms that a positive mental attitude makes a tremendous difference in quality-of-life issues. Like nutrition, what you choose to think affects how you feel and how you heal. It also influences how easily you connect and engage with other people. Appreciation for life and others is the best kind of “contagious!” Be thankful that you are alive and well.
For your brain health, choose to be consciously grateful for
• A hug from someone you love
• Each new day
• Having lived as long as you have
• Your life experiences
• Your skills, talents, and giftedness
• The positive people in your life
• Being able to be present to people and activities you enjoy
• Goals you have met like learning to play an instrument, speak a foreign language, become more fit, volunteer
• Having fun, laughing, praying, appreciating yourself and others
• At least 3 new things each day
According to recent brain health research, this attitude of gratitude can do much to combat mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Staying physically active and engaged socially with others—even if it means doing so over the phone or by video calls—may help delay Alzheimer’s disease. What will you choose to do for your brain health today?