We’ve all heard the familiar instructions while on an airplane as the flight attendants remind us that should the oxygen masks appear, it is vital that we put on our own mask before helping others. This particular topic was chosen by our Principal and CMO here at A Mind For All Seasons, Randy Vawdrey, NP-C as he considered the importance of brain health. This analogy of the oxygen mask emphasizes the vital decision to make brain health a priority is often driven by a focus on helping others while neglecting our own needs. However, just like we can’t help someone else put their oxygen mask on before we’ve put on our own, we have to care for our own brains in order to support others in their efforts.

At AMFAS, we stress the essential role of nutrition and the effect our diets and lifestyles have on our cognitive health. If we are consuming inflammatory foods, you can bet that they will negatively impact your brain health and mental state in the resulting symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, difficulty retaining and recalling information, and more. In an effort to reduce neuroinflammation, you can incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric and omega-3s. Another combative action you can take is engaging in regular physical activity to keep brain inflammation down. Try adding a walk to your day several times a week and see how much better you feel!

The fact that the brain thrives on proper nutrition shouldn’t be up for debate, but often the connection between diet and cognitive health is overlooked or outright denied. When we include nutrient-rich, colorful foods in our diet, we are providing our minds and bodies with the things they need to function. Try paying attention over the next several days not only to what you eat, but how you feel after you’ve eaten. It’s a safe bet that if you’re consuming processed foods more often than not, you’re not feeling so great.

In addition to the connection between diet and cognitive health is another factor: blood sugar. When left uncontrolled, blood sugar damages the tissues of the body and contributes to cognitive health decline and issues. Diet has a direct impact on blood sugar, so it’s important to reduce the consumption of processed sugar while prioritizing protein, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor for 2 to 4 weeks can provide valuable insight on how your body response to food. Avoidance of alcohol is also an important consideration to make as it damages the brain and negatively impacts the regions responsible for memory, decision making, attention, and more.

Stress, Sleep, and Exercise are vital for a healthy brain and should be prioritized not only when improving cognitive function, but when you want to feel better in general. Learning to manage stress prevents the overstimulation of the brain and burnout, while getting quality sleep cycles offer the brain time to remove waste while encouraging memory consolation. Exercise provides a plethora of benefits ranging from boosting mood to reducing neuroinflammation.

While concern for the well-being of those we love is important, if we overlook or neglect our own health and fail to “Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First” there could be devastating consequences. Choosing to prioritize our own cognitive development as well as our overall health will provide the energy and ability to then, in turn, care for our loved ones. The fact that we’ll be leading by example can also have a positive impact on those around us as they see the beneficial results of our efforts to take better care of ourselves.
​