The Benefits of Staying Calm

It’s easier said than done, but taking time to practice mindfulness, meditation, and other wellness practices is incredibly beneficial (and powerful!) for your entire body, and particularly your brain health. Read on to learn more about why staying calm matters, and tips to stay cool under pressure and the stressors of daily life.

Regulate your nervous system to stay calm (and protect your heart and brain)

For years, studies have shown that chronic stress can make your brain and body feel under duress— and that your heart and brain health can suffer as a result. However, did you know even small spikes in stress hormones, like cortisol or adrenaline, can alter daily brain function?

Neuroscientists agree that stress changes the brain’s composition, and adds to inflammation of the brain, heart, and other areas of the body. I’m no doctor, but simply put, inflammation = illness on down the line if it becomes chronic (or long-term).

So, how can one stay inflammation-free and cool, calm and collected in such a crazy world? Here are some tips that work for me:

• Reduce alcohol intake. Swap your daily glass of wine for Recess, or another alcohol-free alternative. Drinking occasionally isn’t bad, but drinking in a binge fashion or drinking daily leads to excess inflammation in the body and brain, and can negatively affect your brain’s chemistry.

• Get moving. Even a 30 or so minute movement sesh a day can ward off stress, especially if you’re consistent.

• Meditate. Even taking ten minutes a day to check in with yourself can help, and apps like Calm or Headspace make it easier than ever before.

• Breathe. This seems easy, but remembering to deeply breathe and oxygenate your brain properly is so important.

So, what quick tips do you have for stress reduction? Your body and mind will thank you later.

Xoxo, MM.