Keep Your Brain Sharp

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there? Or read the same sentence multiple times but it just doesn’t stick? You’re not alone. Around 1 in 25 adults struggle with focus and concentration issues and in the last decade this trend has been increasing.

Difficulty focusing is particularly common in women undergoing hormonal changes, older adults and anyone under chronic stress. Our modern lives demand so much of us and our brains are often overloaded.

Did you know your conscious mind can only hold around five pieces of information at a time? That’s why it feels like you can’t keep track of everything. However, your unconscious mind remembers everything you have ever seen, heard, said, tasted or felt. That is why the answers for quiz questions sometimes seem to come from nowhere – your unconscious mind has stored them away, ready for when you need them. It’s not about forcing yourself to remember, but about allowing your brain to access what it already knows.

This is where Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can be powerful. NLP works with your unconscious mind to rewire unhelpful patterns and enhance your ability to recall and focus. Through simple techniques you can train your brain to access information more easily, improve memory and stay sharp as you age.

Nutrition for brain health

While treatment is always individual, there are key nutritional foundations that support brain function:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – essential for brain health and cognitive performance. Good sources include oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel as well as walnuts and flaxseeds
  
  

• Reduce Omega-6 oils – vegetable oils like soybean, canola and sunflower oil are high in Omega-6, which when unbalanced with Omega-3s can increase inflammation affecting brain health
  
  

• Healthy fats – your brain thrives on fats. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly beneficial, supporting cognition and reducing inflammation
  
  

• Other supportive foods – eggs (choline for memory), leafy greens (antioxidants and folate), berries (polyphenols for neuroprotection) and turmeric (curcumin supports cognitive function)
  
  

Beyond food: lifestyle habits matter

Exercise, especially walking in nature, is proven to enhance focus, memory and creativity. Sleep is equally vital for consolidating memories and reducing brain fog. Managing stress through relaxation, mindset work or coaching supports the brain to function at its best.

But remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your brain health is unique to you. Seeking professional advice ensures you are addressing underlying causes and receiving guidance tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

In upcoming articles we will explore a variety of topics. Any questions contact me via www.wellnessyourway.coach.

Your mind is powerful. It’s never too late to nurture it.