I’m a neuroscientist – these are the three things I will never do to keep my brain healthy
A neuroscientist and brain coach has revealed three things she has stopped doing to keep her brain healthy.
Emily McDonaldfrom the US, has an immeasurable quality of life by setting certain rules to 'protect her mentality'.
The expert revealed that she has stopped watching negative television, stopped listening to sad songs and stopped judging herself and other people.
Doctors have also advised against alcohol to protect brain activity, while other scientists talked about how food can help you live longer.
Emily McDonald, from the US, has an immeasurable quality of life by establishing certain rules to 'protect her mentality'
1. Don't watch horror or negative television
Ms McDonald said watching 'horrific' or 'toxic' media – especially at night – can increase your cortisol levels and disrupt sleep.
“The quality of sleep is one of the most important things for brain health,” she said.
“Toxic TV just normalizes toxic behavior, which gets into your brain and becomes your way of thinking.”
Ms McDonald revealed that she 'doesn't watch the news either' and instead gets her information 'elsewhere'.
2. Don't listen to or sing lyrics you don't want to claim
“Listening to music activates neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to rewire,” the scientist said.
'The lyrics you sing when you listen to music become even more embedded than if you just said them – especially because music often also attaches emotion to it.'
However, there is research that shows this sad music can help process emotions – so Mrs. McDonald does that if necessary.
The expert revealed that she has stopped watching negative television, stopped listening to sad songs and stopped judging herself and other people
3. Don't judge yourself or other people
“One of the most important things I've learned about mental health and mindset is that what you judge other people about is related to something you judge yourself about internally,” the expert revealed.
She shared that not judging other people for their flaws and imperfections kept her from nitpicking about herself.
“And as I give myself more grace and forgiveness, I find myself doing the same for other people,” she said.
Many agreed with the expert and shared their own experiences.
“I told my ex-wife to stop watching Real Housewives because she was constantly combative. She didn't like that very much, but I was right,” one man said.
'I do exactly this! So many people don't understand this process,” said another.
“I used to watch American Horror Story to fall asleep and have stress dreams,” one person revealed.