(Image source from: Canva.com)

Our non-stop way of living is affecting us more than we realize, impacting both our energy and the health of our brains. Long working hours, endless notifications, and the constant need to stay connected are exhausting our minds. Over time, these pressures can accumulate and increase the risk of serious issues like poor memory, lack of focus, and in severe situations, strokes or the looming risk of dementia. "Life today is fast-paced, and our brains are under strain," notes Dr. Nasli R. Ichaporia, who leads the Neurology department at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune. What may seem like harmless habits such as scrolling through social media or working late can gradually diminish our mental sharpness, memory, and our ability to cope. "Even small actions, like staring at a screen for too long, can cause tired eyes and a cloudy mind," Dr. Ichaporia explains. "Over months and years, this can accumulate and raise the chances of significant issues."

Here are some common behaviors that are a threat to brain health and easy adjustments that might help repair the harm:

Screen Overuse and Mental Exhaustion: Screens are everywhere, including phones, computers, and televisions, and using them too much is harming our brain function. Spending too long on screens causes eye strain and mental fatigue. The blue light from these devices disrupts our sleep, while constant alerts break our concentration, heighten stress levels, and lead to mental exhaustion. Juggling multiple apps can also diminish creativity and result in a tired mind by the end of the day.

Too Much Sitting Shrinks the Brain: Living a predominantly inactive life affects more than just our physical health; it also directly impacts our brain functions. Sitting for long periods slows blood flow, which means the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can weaken memory and might even cause the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for learning and understanding—to shrink, increasing the chances of dementia as time goes on.

Unhealthy Eating, Unclear Thinking: Today's diets, filled with sugar and processed foods, contribute to long-lasting inflammation that can damage brain cells. Missing out on important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants can further weaken how our brain communicates and impacts memory. The connection between the gut and the brain is also crucial: a poor diet can upset gut health, which raises the chances of mood issues and mental decline.

Stress and Stroke Danger: Ongoing stress is not just a mental issue; it affects our physical health as well. Persistent stress raises blood pressure, a significant factor that can lead to strokes. Over time, it can cause inflammation and damage to arteries, increasing the risk of clots or ruptured blood vessels in the brain, resulting in either ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes.

Sleep: The Brain's Reboot: Rest is essential for remembering things and for clear thinking. However, late-night screen time and work habits are cutting into our much-needed sleep. Without adequate rest, the brain struggles to store memories and manage information, making us forgetful, unclear in our thoughts, and mentally drained.

Brain wellness doesn't require extreme actions. Make sure to take frequent breaks from screens by following the 20-20-20 guideline, stay active every day, consume natural foods, focus on getting enough rest, and handle stress carefully. Also, don't neglect regular health check-ups – monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels supports long-term brain health.