A neuroscientist has revealed the three habits to avoid to "keep your brain young" - including waiting twenty minutes before using our phones in the morning.
Emily McDonald, 24, from Phoenix, Arizona, US, shared her tips to prevent symptoms such as brain fog and forgetfulness.
The mindset coach said we shouldn’t reach for our phones as soon as we get up in the morning – and instead should wait at least twenty minutes before scrolling.
The TikTok influencer said: “Our brain is transitioning between sleep and waking. Our brain is really suggestible.
“Lots of people are reading stressful things – prompting you to be stressed.
“What you put into your mind is super crucial.
“Going on your phone first thing messes with your dopamine. It creates a craving to keep you wanting to pick up your phone.
“I wake up and listen to or say positive affirmations.
“I put sleep mode on. Try to not look at your phone for at least 20 to 30 minutes after waking up.”
Emily said the same applies before bed and we should be switching off our TVs, laptops and phone at within an hour before bed.
She also said eating processed food such as cheese slices and crisps can also have a negative impact on the brain.
She said: “Processed foods have been linked to cognitive ageing – so giving us brain fog and forgetfulness.
“The gut brain connection is very real.
“Wholefoods and good fats are good for our brain – such as avocados.
“Blueberries are really good for your brain.”
Finally, Emily insists people should avoid negative self-talk.
She said: “What you tell yourself change how you view the world.
“If you say ‘today is going to be a great day’ it tells your brain to look for things that are great.
“If I catch myself saying something negative about myself, I have to say three positive things about myself.
“The more we think something our brains are wired to change.”
Emily said one of the best things for our brain is meditation – and it’s best to do it in the morning before you start working.
She said: “Everyone says ‘I can’t mediate’ but everyone can. It has great anti-ageing properties. It’s really magic for focus.
“It increases birth of new brain cells in the hippocampus – which controls our learning and memory.
“It keeps your brain young. Mediation makes you superhuman. I do it every single day.”
Things to avoid to protect your brain
- Don't go on your phone as soon as you wake up - wait at least 20 minutes
- Avoid eating heavily processed foods
- Avoid negative self-talk
Things to do that are good for you brain
- Daily mediation
- Eating healthy fats like avocados and fruits like blueberries
