I’m a neuroscientist – these are the three things I will never do to keep my brain healthy

A neuroscientist and brain coach has revealed three things she has stopped doing to keep her brain healthy.

Emily McDonald, from the US, has immeasurably her quality of life by setting certain rules to ‘protect her mindset’. 

The expert revealed that she has stopped watching negative television, doesn’t listen to sad songs, and has stopped judging herself and other people.

Doctors have also advised against alcohol consumption to protect brain activity, while other scientists shared how food can can help you live longer.

1. Don’t watch horror or negative television

Ms McDonald shared that watching ‘horrific’ or ‘toxic’ media – especially at night – can elevate your cortisol levels and disrupt sleep. 

‘Quality of sleep is one of the most important things for brain health,’ she said. 

‘Toxic tv just normalises toxic behaviour – which gets wired into your brain and becomes your mindset.’

Ms McDonald revealed that she ‘doesn’t watch the news either’ and instead gets her information ‘elsewhere’. 

2. Don’t listen to or sing lyrics you don’t want to claim

‘Listening to music activates neuroplasticity and the brains ability to rewire,’ the scientist shared.

‘The lyrics that you are singing when you’e listening to music are actually being wired in even more than if you were to just say them – especially because music often ties emotion to it as well.’

However, there is research that shows sad music can be helpful for processing emotions – so Ms McDonald does that if necessary.

The expert revealed that she has stopped watching negative television, doesn’t listen to sad songs, and has stopped judging herself and other people

3. Don’t judge yourself or other people

‘One of the most important things I’ve learned about mental health and mindset is that whatever you are judging other people about is linked to something you are judging yourself about internally,’ the expert revealed.

She shared that not judging other people for their flaws and imperfections stopped her from nitpicking at her own. 

‘And as I give myself more grace and forgiveness – I find I do that for other people as well,’ she said.

Many agreed with the expert and shared experiences of their own.   

‘I told my ex wife to stop watching Real Housewives because she was constantly combative. She didn’t like that too much but I was right,’ a man said.

‘I do exactly this! So many people do not understand this process,’ another shared.

‘I used to watch American Horror Story to fall asleep and have stress dreams,’ one revealed.