Do you find yourself scrolling social media on the internet mindlessly and, before you knew it, two hours had transpired? And, your neck hurts. Been there, done that, ya.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash |
This Christmas your brain deserves more and it is ever game for a challenge. It needs to be allowed to do what it does best -- think! The more you exercise your brain with observation, situational analysis, strategic planning, problem-solving, scenario planning and so forth, the more brain power you develop. It would up your game of life and stave off brain rot.
As sourced from ChatGPT with adaptation, "Brain rot" is a colloquial term rather than a medical diagnosis and is often used to describe a perceived decline in cognitive abilities or mental sharpness. It can refer to feelings of mental stagnation, reduced focus, or unproductive habits that seem to "dull" the mind.
The usual suspects that may dumb or dull your mind are as follows:
1. Lack of Mental Stimulation
2. Excessive Screen Time
3. Sleep Deprivation
4. Unhealthy Diet
5. Prolonged Stress
6. Physical Inactivity (Sedentary Lifestyle)
7. Isolation (Lack of Social Interaction)
The following ways would help you to treat your brain right:
1. Engage in Lifelong Learning
Take up new hobbies, learn a language, or read challenging books to stimulate your brain.
2. Limit Passive Consumption
Replace excessive screen time with creative or engaging activities like writing, painting, gardening, or baking.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Activities like meditation or deep breathing can reduce stress and improve focus.
4. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new brain cells.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Focus on brain-healthy foods like nuts, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And, have your fill of water each day.
"The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women."
6. Get Quality Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
7. Stay Socially Active
Interact with friends, join clubs, or engage in group activities to keep your mind sharp.
8. Challenge Your Brain
Try games that require problem-solving or strategy, such as chess, sudoku, or crossword puzzle.
Here are my random picks of reading materials from National Library Board (NLB), Singapore, for you to open up new possibilities to fuel your brain with a great workout:
"Rhythm & Muse" by India Hill Brown |
Reading this book would help you pick up some writing skills for writing fiction or just enjoy the author's prose and story shared.
Click here to visit India Hill Brown's homepage.
"Hello" by Tere Liye |
This book is written in Bahasa Indonesia, and if this is your second or third language, reading it would help you pick up from your last brush with the language.
Click here for more on Tere Liye.
"Hope at Christmas" by Nancy Naigle |
This is one book you could huddle in for a good read during Christmas.
Click here to visit Nancy Naigle's homepage.
"Fortune" February / March 2024 |
Wouldn't you wanna know The World's Most Admired Companies?
Click here for more on Fortune.com
"Expat Living" Sep 2024 |
"Digital Camera World" Spring 2024 |
"Sight and Sound" October 2024 Vol. 34 Issue 8 |
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