Top 10 Habits to Supercharge Your Brain

Once you develop the habit of stressing, your brain undergoes numerous negative changes, leading to a predisposition to negativity and potentially culminating in depressive symptoms. Instead of complaining about how tough life is, consider soaking up the sun, taking a stroll, and practicing mindfulness. Psychologists at the University of North Carolina conducted an experiment and found that individuals engaging in 20 minutes of positive reflection daily demonstrated improved alertness as well as reduced symptoms of illness.

You might consider jotting down your negative emotions. Don't hesitate! Go ahead and pen them down on paper. Scientists say that processing emotional language reduces activity in the amygdala, the fear center in your brain, thereby decreasing stress levels. A calmer amygdala means a happier you.

At the end of each day, identify at least three things you feel grateful for. Psychological and Neuroscience Journal suggests that such an exercise boosts serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is crucial for the normal functioning of your prefrontal cortex, regulating self-reflection and emotional balance, thus helping it overcome previous patterns of fear. Reflect on positive daily activities in detail. You can even jot them down.

Hugs are magical. A warm embrace triggers the release of dopamine - the feel-good hormone in our brains. That's precisely why you immediately feel safe and relaxed. Researchers note that hugging reduces blood pressure, alleviates stress, and enhances your mood.

A study in 2010 at the University of Michigan found that relaxing with friends or simply being in the same physical space as others benefits your brain greatly. On a larger scale, your brain may undergo positive changes if surrounded by intelligent and emotionally stable individuals.

Did you know that humans are highly contagious? You can 'catch' emotions and behavioral attitudes. This phenomenon is also known as social contagion or emotional contagion.

Luckily, here's some good news. You don't have to turn off music to be productive. In fact, appropriate music can help you relax through alpha brain waves. The music focus service, along with leading neuroscientists, creates various playlists to help you stay focused on tasks.

Turn multitasking into single-tasking. While talking on the phone, browsing the internet, and texting, you might think you're multitasking. But studies show that trying to focus on multiple things at once reduces your work productivity by nearly 40%. So, eliminate distractions and focus on one task at a time for a limited period. Once you're done, reward yourself with a short exercise session, a cup of tea, or a quick call.

Sleep helps 'cleanse' toxins from our brains. During sleep, the body utilizes this time to restore energy and release accumulated toxins from the day. Experts advise going to bed before midnight to reap the maximum benefits that sleep offers.

Antioxidants, abundant in fruits and green vegetables, help the body fend off diseases caused by free radicals. That's why Dr. Nussbaum encourages us to prepare meals with as many colors as possible, featuring fruits and vegetables. And while all fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, berries specifically have the most positive impact on cognitive and brain health.

Alcohol is a leading cause of depression issues. It slows down neurological function. Its impact on a person's cognition is well-documented in research papers. If you need to study and work at your best, abstain from alcohol. Besides its obvious effects, alcohol also reduces a person's ability to sleep deeply, thus impeding clear thinking. Consistent alcohol and stimulant use leads to addiction. They disrupt nerve connections and make a person's mind less responsive to incoming information.