Hello Autumn

Well summer has certainly left us and autumn has landed like a bolt out of the blue. Looking for a change in clothes can bring all sorts of feelings, hopes and dreams with it. I always find something reassuringly nice slipping back into light jumpers and covering up a bit more. For some it means the freedom feelings of summer are gone and darker early nights are looming, something which can invariably bring its own issues to bear. Some of us intrinsically feel sadder as the weather changes and the light darkens. Looking at moods and emotions even memory gets us thinking about our brains and how they work.

The mind and indeed the human brain is a miraculous thing indeed. But like everything else it sometimes requires a little help from outside sources. The brain continues to baffle people as it has done throughout the ages and here are some interesting facts you may or may not know about your brain.

• Your brain weighs about 3lbs
• Your skin weighs twice as much
• Your brain is 75% water
• It consists of about 100 billion neurons
• It has no pain receptors so can feel no pain
• It contains 100,000 miles of blood vessels
• it is the fattest organ in the body 

No wonder it baffles so many people! The connection between our minds and bodies is indeed a strong one. One estimate is is that between 50-70% of visits to the doctor for physical ailments are attributed to psychological factors.

So our brain has been called the most complex object in the universe. What therefore can we do to look after it?

Omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil are said the be helpful. Exercise also helps to encourage the brain to work to the optimum capacity. Sleeping well is essential for any brain as it during sleep that your mental energy is restored. A healthy diet is a must the same as for the rest of your body. While protein is the main source of fuel for your brain, vitamins and minerals are also important as is limiting sugar. Getting out into the sun helps to maintain optimum vitamin D levels but these can also be taken orally over the winter. Scientists have recently discovered vitD receptors in the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system. Turning off the TV is another good move as is cutting down the use of mobile phones held next to the head. The brain appreciates being challenged so quizzes and puzzles are good. The final recommendation is to avoid any artificial sweeteners and additives. Substances such as aspartame and MSG are known to be detrimental to the brain and its healthy effectiveness. 

So as we go forth into a new season let us begin a new regime of looking after our minds as well as our bodies.

Maggie Graham

Senior Therapist

Bee Yourself Hypnotherapy