8 Ways to Optimize Brain Health While Grieving

Our brain health tends to be the last thing we think about when we’re grieving, but truth be told, our brains are the first thing affected by grief. Grief interrupts our normal brain functioning, and our brain is in charge of sending signals to the rest of our body. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Grief can cause changes in brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, most of which are created in your gut. And we know if our brain isn’t happy, then our gut probably isn’t happy either.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Grief affects our limbic system, which is the system of nerves and networks in the brain, as well as the pre-frontal cortex. This can throw off how we regulate our emotions, our concentration levels, our ability to multi-task, our memory function, and our stress response. Hormonal changes can also affect eating and sleep patterns, and can cause anxiety and restlessness, which can drastically affect how you feel.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here are eight ways you can optimize your brain health so you can take care of yourself while grieving:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-EAT A BREAKFAST RICH IN HEALTHY FAT + PROTEIN: Your brain is made up of 60% fat and needs healthy fat to stay sharp. This also helps keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. My go-to is eggs or salmon, avocado and veggies.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE: This helps set the tone for the day.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-GET DAILY MOVEMENT: When you’re in the thick of it, releasing endorphins can be just the thing to ease your anxiety. Stretch, go for a walk (or two), practice yoga, or move you body in the way that feels best for you.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-EAT CHOLINE-RICH FOODS: Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for digestion, cognitive function, memory, creativity, and motivation. Egg yolks, liver, beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, soaked/sprouted nuts + legumes, shitake mushrooms and cruciferous veggies are great sources.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-MAKE A BRAIN-BOOSTING ADAPTOGENIC DRINK: Adaptogens literally help you adapt to stress - physical and emotional. Mushrooms like cordyceps, lion’s mane, and chaga all help with brain function and reducing anxiety. You can read all about adaptogens here.
-CONSUME MEDIA THAT INSPIRES YOU: You don’t need anything else contributing to your grief right now. Enough said.
-PARTICIPATE IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES: Get out in nature, hang out with friends (via video), read a new book, laugh out loud, or pick up a new hobby to help reduce your stress response.
-KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL: Write down 3 things you are grateful for each day. Remember no matter how hard it is right now, you are loved and supported.

What has helped you during this time? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined.

Looking to work through the grief and add to balance the stress in your daily life? I can help with that. Click here to schedule your FREE Learn to Thrive Discovery Session!