Dips in brain health with age might not be as apparent as, say, the loss of bounciness in your skin or mobility in your knees (save for the random memory lapse). But to neurologists and neuropsychologists—who spend their days addressing brain injuries and cognitive conditions—maintaining the function of their own brains long-term is, well, top of mind.
Much like with tending to any other body part or aspect of your health, supporting your brain isn’t about one or two things, or a newfangled fad or supplement, Antonio Puente, PhD, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and chief psychologist in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University, tells SELF. “It’s more of a lifestyle modification or set of behavior changes that over time can be helpful.” And that includes both engaging in some activities and refraining from others to stay sharp.
Read on to learn the common habits that neurologists themselves avoid, based on a growing body of research and the brain issues they’ve encountered firsthand.
1. They don’t sit for hourslong stretches.
It won’t come as a surprise that the brain experts SELF spoke with all try to notch some regular exercise, which is well-known to spark an immediate boost in mental clarity and even help stave off dementia. (Dr. Puente, for one, rides his bike 10 miles to and from work each day.) But they don’t just make room for capital-E Exercise. They also aim to avoid big sedentary swaths by just standing up and walking around for a few minutes or doing a bit of movement every hour or so (a habit your joints and muscles will thank you for as well).
Research suggests even little bouts of brisk exercise, as brief as five minutes a piece, can meaningfully lower your dementia risk. Dr. Puente makes a point to pop up from his desk and pace down the hallway when he has a free moment. Luis Compres Brugal, MD, a board-certified neurologist at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, tells SELF he strolls outside his office during breaks. This way, he also gets the added benefit of a little sunshine and fresh air, which he says has a focus-boosting, de-stressing effect. The key is to take what bits of free time you have and fill them with bursts of movement—these add up and can make a difference for both short- and long-term brain health, Dr. Compres Brugal says.
2. They don’t get riled up over little things.
Some day-to-day stress is inevitable for everyone—and the physicians in this article are no exception. But Claudia Muñoz, MD, MPH, a board-certified neurologist and neurohospitalist in Emeryville, California, tells SELF she tries to at least temper her reaction to stressful scenarios, whenever possible.
