6 habits you might not realise can damage your brain

The brain is one of the most vital organs in the body which helps in reasoning and how to conduct appropriately. There are some daily activities you engage in that can harm your brain.

According to an article by Jennifer Robinson on WebMD, there are certain harmful habits you engage in that are to blame for brain damage. 

Here are some habits that harm your brain that should be avoided. 

1. Spending time in the dark

Spending an extended period in the dark is one of the things that can harm your brain. 

Spending time in the dark might make you sad or feel depressed, and can also damage your brain. Try spending time outside regularly, because exposure to sunlight enhances cognitive performance.

2. Smoking

Smoking can shrink your brain and raise your risk of dementia. Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging.

If you smoke, you should stop as soon as possible because that’s the best thing you can do for your brain’s health.

3. Inadequate rest

Not giving your body and brain enough time to rest and recover harms your brain and increases the risk of dementia. 

Regularly give your body the amount of rest it needs. Be sure you schedule time for rest regularly. If you are having trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and electronics in the evening.

4. Using headphones at the loudest volume

The use of headphones for a long time and at the loudest volume may eventually impair not only your hearing but also your brain as you age. If you have hearing problems, it could be bad for your brain because it has to do some extra work to understand or process what is being said.

5. Staying alone

People who stay alone for a long time are likely to suffer from brain decline. It’s not always about how many Facebook friends you have; what matters is a real sense of connection because humans are wired for social contact. 

People who have a real sense of connection are more productive and happier. Whenever you are feeling alone, call some of your friends, start something new and have fun.

6. Too much junk food

People who have a lot of whole grains, beans, green leafy vegetables, and other healthy foods in their diets preserve brain function and have a slow mental decline. But those who eat a lot of fries, potato chips, soft drinks, and other junk foods in their diets have an increased risk of mental decline because parts of the brain linked to memory, learning, and mental health are smaller in people who consume too much junk food.

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