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Stress Awareness Month is observed every spring in the month of April, and its observance has been in existence since 1992.It’s a time that encourages everyone to stop overlooking stress and pay more attention to its causes and effects. And then to try to do something about it! loss and restoring cognitive function.
Brain injuries occurring at any time of life, even if it seems insignificant in the moment, can lead to cognitive issues years later. March has been designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month by the CDC to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries and their impact on individuals and families. The month aims to educate the public on prevention, treatment, and support for those affected by brain injuries.
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Stress could Be a Hidden Trigger for Future Dementia
A great deal of attention is being paid to how to stave off cognitive decline in the aging American population. But what is often missing from this conversation is the role that chronic stress can play in how well people age from a cognitive standpoint, as well as everybody’s risk for dementia.
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The Connection between Mind and Body
Stress and how we experience and interpret it in our bodies can play an important role in how we age, and how we preserve our cognition as we age. Knowing how powerfully the mind and body are connected provides us with an opportunity to intervene on our own behalf.
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Understanding causes and rekindling motivation
When you feel like you’re being “lazy,” it can be easy to get caught in a cycle of self-doubt and guilt, which can cause stress. This negative thinking can make you feel inadequate in meeting your own or others’ expectations.
But “lazy” behaviors aren’t a character flaw. They could start with physical and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Here are some other ways of thinking about laziness that can help you get unstuck, as well as ways to regain your motivation.
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Breathing, while being essential to life, is something most of us do without thinking. The brain-stem manages the automatic process of inhaling and exhaling, which ensures that our bodies get the oxygen they need without requiring our conscious intervention. But while involuntary breathing keeps us alive, it doesn’t always optimize our health. Did you know that by incorporating periods of intentional, mindful exhalation into our daily routine, our breathing can offer significant health benefits?
Exhaling intentionally, rather than simply waiting to exhale as part of the natural breathing cycle, can profoundly impact our brain health and overall well-being. Watch the video here.
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Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas
Diets low in magnesium have been found to increase anxiety-related behaviors. If you’re feeling anxious, consider adding leafy greens like Swiss chard and spinach to your diet, since they’re great sources of magnesium — and delicious when paired with garlic, to boot. This Swiss chard recipe is a hearty side dish, but could easily become a full meal when served with steamed wild rice. (And it would be absolutely perfect with a poached egg on top, too.)
Click here for the recipe.
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