Did you know that brains have the consistency of a loose gelatin dessert? 🧠

🍮 This means that the brains you may have seen on screen or in books, used for study, are specially treated to make them firm - they are not like that when they are in the skull.

Now, this is important to you because if you don't know the consistency of your brain, you don't know how to best 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 - meaning that you may end up with no gelatin dessert at all 😔

In this #BrainFactMonday let's look at the best ways to take care of your brain, which will help you feel better, look smarter and act healthier.

First of all, I'd like to thank my brain for being jelly-like. My thoughts are already all over the place, imagine how they'd feel and look to you if my brain was soft and squishy instead! 😂

I love the brain auto-regulation skills. 😍

So what can you do to take care of your delicate brain?The n. 1 thing you MUST avoid is a 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.A brain injury can change the way your brain works. Left untreated, it can cause lasting damage, which can significantly affect your quality of life and independence, so never engage in activities where your head can be heavenly shaken and hurt (don't ask me what I think about sports that ignore this vital principle!).

On a daily basis, ensure you:

👉 Eat 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 that contain antioxidants, like blueberries and spinach. Antioxidants are great for keeping your brain young and healthy and your mind sharp.

👉 Drink plenty of 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 throughout the day (I know you know this, but now you have a further reason to do so - your brain needs water in order to function properly).

👉 Get at least 𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 every day (I know you know this too.... again, another reason to motivate you: exercise helps your neurons communicate better with each other, which improves every aspect of your life).

👉 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 as much as possible by taking time for yourself every day and developing healthy relationships with friends and family members (yes, I know, nothing new here either, still.... it's vital for your brain!)

👉 Get 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 every night — the average adult needs between 7-9 hours per night to function at their best. Missing good sleep for a prolonged time can cause damage to the brain so if you're struggling with it, don't just keep pushing, seek professional advice asap (CBTi for sleep has worked brilliantly with me - google it).

👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 often and learn 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 — these activities stimulate your brain in ways other activities don't, meaning they are the best ways to keep your brain healthy.

That's all, Given the fantastic work that your brain does for you, it doesn't seem much to ask.... You only have one brain. Protect it.