Our brains naturally like to be active. When we are not keeping them busy, they wander to subjects that might be stressful, and there happen to be a lot of sources for stress in the world today. During this unprecedented time of social distancing, where we have to avoid meeting in groups or standing too close to each other, a lot of activities that would otherwise keep our brains occupied are suddenly off the table. More now than ever it is important to keep our brains busy especially with the extra downtime. But what can we do to keep the mind working?
The choices we make impact our minds just as much as they do our bodies over the long term. Good choices, such as exercising and keeping a healthy diet, can help our brains stay healthier for longer. Unhealthy habits, such as tobacco or excessive alcohol use, on the other hand, can lead to earlier cognitive decline.
During a time of pandemic and economic anxiety, there are many reasons for us to worry. Worry leads to stress, and stress is another part of our lives that can be damaging to our brains. High levels of stress hormones can kill brain cells, resulting in shrinking of the brain over the long term. If we do not keep our brains busy, they can fixate on whatever is troubling us, leading to more stress and anxiety.
When we have to practice social distancing, our daily routine may be disrupted. However, with this disruption comes time to do some of the things we have always been meaning to try. So rather than a burden, think of it as an opportunity to take up new hobbies or rekindle old ones.
Keeping your brain busy can help you deal with the day-to-day stresses of our times as well as the boredom that comes with spending the majority of your day at home. It can also help keep your brain healthy for longer and reduce the risk for cognitive decline as you age.
Virginia Spine Institute’s reputation is unmatched as a world-renowned luxury destination in spinal healthcare, dedicated to providing an elevated level of concierge care for those suffering from neck and back conditions. For three decades, their proven methods have led them to dramatically improving the quality of life for over 100,000 patients, from 32 countries.
People seek care from Virginia Spine Institute because of their elite team of board-certified spine-specialized physicians offering unique approaches to safe and effective back and neck pain relief. As one of the few centers that begin treatment with non-surgical options before recommending surgery, 90% of their patients get better without spine surgery. Through a comprehensive model, Virginia Spine Institute is able to offer regenerative medicine, non-operative treatments, minimally-invasive spine surgery, and physical therapy through their team of spine specialists.
The team’s dedication to detail and patient success is a shining light in the field of spinal healthcare. As pioneers and leaders in this field, they have also accomplished many of the world’s firsts in spine surgery by using modern treatments and cutting-edge technology not offered anywhere else.
Reviewed by: Virginia Spine Institute.
Reviewed by: Virginia Spine Institute.