World Stroke Day: Five lifestyle habits to support better brain health

The brain is the center of human activity. Every thought, decision, emotion and action involves the brain. Yet we spend so much time planning our work, finances and responsibilities, while rarely giving the same attention to the way we live each day.On World Stroke Day, WE would encourage everyone to think about their daily habits. Taking care of the brain is not something we should remember only when a health problem arises. There are simple things we can practice every day that bring more discipline, clarity and balance into our lives.1. Begin every day with meditation and clarityEvery morning, spend some time meditating on life. What needs to be done today? What do you wish to achieve? Where are you going in life?Without some planning, we often end up doing whatever the day demands. One activity leads to another, somebody calls, something unexpected happens, and before we realize it, the entire day has passed.We always encourage people to spend ten to fifteen minutes in quiet reflection. Sit comfortably, allow the mind to settle and think about what deserves your attention.Meditation helps us become more attentive to our thoughts. Beginning the morning with a clear mind can make a difference to how we approach the rest of the day.2. Develop the habit of writing things downWhatever needs to be done, write it down.It may concern your work, your family, your health or something you have wanted to achieve for a long time. Make a habit of putting these thoughts on paper.When everything remains in the mind, it is easy to forget something or become occupied with too many things at once.Writing gives us an opportunity to look at our responsibilities properly. We can see what needs immediate attention, what can wait and what we should be working towards.It is a very simple habit, but one that can bring considerable order into daily life.3. Remember that life is meant to be livedLife is meant to be lived, experienced and enjoyed.We cannot spend our entire lives working, collecting responsibilities and carrying tension from one day into the next. What are we working towards if we never make time to enjoy what life offers?Make arrangements for good living. Spend time with good people. Maintain friendships, build meaningful relationships, visit beautiful places and travel whenever you have the opportunity.There is so much to experience in life. A conversation with a friend, a journey with family or a visit to a place you have never seen can bring happiness into an otherwise ordinary week.Our professional responsibilities are important, but personal happiness and relationships also deserve our time.4. Make physical activity a daily commitmentThe human body needs movement. Practice Yoga, go running, swimming or walking. Play a sport you enjoy. Choose something that encourages you to remain physically active.When someone begins learning a sport, notice how their attention changes. They think about improving their performance, preparing for the next session and learning something new.The mind has something interesting to engage with, while the body receives the exercise it needs.Regular physical activity is also important for cardiovascular health. It can help manage blood pressure, which is one of the major risk factors for stroke.Choose an activity that suits your health and physical capacity. Prepare properly before exercise and make it a regular part of your life.5. Learn the art of remaining calmOne of the most valuable things we can learn is how to remain calm.Imagine a river after heavy rainfall. The water is flowing violently, carrying mud and everything that comes in its way. It becomes difficult to approach or make use of that water.Now think of the same river when the flow has settled.Our mind can be much the same. When we are constantly angry, anxious or reacting to every small situation, we find it difficult to enjoy even the simplest things.We should learn to give the mind some quiet time.Look at a flower. Spend a few minutes in nature. Sit peacefully without feeling that something must always be done.There is a great deal of happiness in ordinary experiences when the mind is calm enough to appreciate them.These five habits do not require complicated arrangements. They can become part of the way we live every day.Along with these practices, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, blood pressure monitoring and regular medical care remain important for protecting long-term health. Anyone experiencing sudden facial weakness, arm weakness or difficulty speaking should seek emergency medical attention immediately.On World Stroke Day, let us remember that caring for the brain also means paying attention to our daily routine.A healthier life begins with the discipline of how each day is lived.Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar - Yoga Guru, Spiritual Leader, Author, Columnist, Founder: Akshar Yoga KendraaGet the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.