Читать книгу The Mind-Body Cure - Bal Pawa - Страница 47

How we form healthy brain habits is based on individual preference and a bit of trial and error. If you have great difficulty focusing or paying attention because your thoughts are too rapid or pressured, seek out a professional to help. Know that what works for some may not work for others; however, deep diaphragmatic breathing is a good place to start to slow down the nervous system and turn on the brakes.

You may already practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. If so, pick one or more of them and slow your nervous system. If not, sign up for a class or ask your health practitioner, a friend, or family member for advice. Less gas and more brakes allows your brain to function better. Other ways to slow down the nervous system include sleep, which bolsters memory, mood, and concentration by detoxifying some of the by-products from brain cells and improving circulation. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, bringing more oxygen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth of neurons (brain cells).

Our brain has two hemispheres, and the two sides appear to function differently. Many of us spend a large part of our lives in “left-brain activity,” which means a lot of verbal, analytical, and ordering tasks. This is our reading, writing, computing brain. For many people, engaging in “right-brain activity” is relaxing. It is visual, intuitive, and creative. Listening to music, for example, soothes the brain and can activate neural pathways and alter brain-wave patterns in ways that speech and movement cannot, bringing blood flow to areas of the brain not used in other body functions. In fact, doing any hobby you love, such as sitting in nature, painting or sculpting, or playing a musical instrument, stimulates the different centers in the brain that produce calming neurotransmitters. Indulge in regular small pleasures, do things that give you joy, set and meet goals, and above all cultivate meaningful relationships. These are all different ways to embed a program of positive calm, trust, and happiness.

Finally, sometimes just say no. Many of us get caught up doing things because people expect us to or because we are conditioned to “not disappoint” others. Sometimes saying “no” to something or someone means saying “yes” to yourself. That can be a good thing for you and your brain.