Spring Qi Chats | Week 6

springagingmindfulnessqigong
Written By Angi McClure

Overwhelmed & undernourished….

This week we discuss the basics of the brain - ACTIVATION and FUEL. Are you properly focused on your brain health?

Activation + Less

Movement can be a powerful tool to help improve focus and concentration. Your brain needs activation as a survival tool and it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to do MORE. Your movement can be simple as it doesn’t take much for the brain to get what it needs…

  1. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress levels. This can help you feel more alert and focused.

  2. Movement can stimulate the brain and increase blood flow, which can help improve cognitive function and mental clarity.

  3. Moving with novelty can help the brain stay focused on a ‘new’ tasks that is familiar. Novelty DRIVES neuroplasticity.

  4. Taking breaks to move can help prevent physical discomfort or stiffness from prolonged sitting, which can also be a distraction from focus.

  5. Exercise can improve overall health and well-being, which can have a positive impact on mental health and focus.

 

Feed the Brain

 

Nutritional support can be beneficial for the wandering organ. Here are some dietary recommendations that may be helpful:

  1. Increase Protein Intake: Protein-rich foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve focus and concentration. Foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts are good sources of protein.

  2. Avoid Processed Foods and Sugar: Processed foods and sugary snacks can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can worsen cognition. Avoiding these foods and opting for whole foods and natural sugars can be helpful.

  3. Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and may help improve mental focus. Foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

  4. Increase Magnesium Intake: Magnesium is a mineral that is important for brain function and may help improve mental focus. Foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good sources of magnesium.

  5. Get your levels tested. Low iron, ferritin levels, and vitamin D deficiency are also leading links to poor attention and lack of focus.

It is also important to stay hydrated and get enough sleep.

 

Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!

Train + Feed the Brain

  • Cook with a cast iron skillet for 16% more iron intakes (don’t rely SOLEY on this source)

  • Swing the arms for 1 minute

  • Go for a walk!

*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212392/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12859709/

Angi McClure
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Spring Qi Chats | Week 5