9 Everyday Habits That Are Damaging Your Brain

Hey everyone, welcome back to another video! Before we begin, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the incredible support you've given us at Psycho. Our mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone, and your support helps us achieve that. So, thank you!

Now, on to today's topic: Did you know that certain daily habits can damage your brain? We aren't just talking about affecting your mental well-being—these habits can actually cause physical damage to your brain. This is crucial because damaged brain tissue can make you more susceptible to illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which stem from cognitive decline. Becoming aware of these habits can help you reduce the risk of brain damage early on.

With that said, here are nine harmful habits that can damage your brain:

1. **Staying in the dark too much:** Do you often sit in complete darkness hoping to fall asleep but can't? Or do you love staying in the dark even during the daytime? Not getting enough natural light can lead to depression, which negatively impacts your brain. Sunlight helps regulate your brain's function by controlling the release of melatonin. Staying in the dark for too long can ironically leave you sleep deprived.

2. **Consuming too much negative news:** Did you know that the media you consume daily can impact your emotions, thinking, and behavior? According to psychotherapist Annie Miller, constantly reading negative news can be damaging. Overconsumption of negative news triggers your fight-or-flight response, taking a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health.

3. **Blasting headphones:** Listening to music at high volumes through headphones might be convenient and relaxing, but it can do more harm than good. Experts agree that loud music can lead to hearing loss, which may cause memory impairments over time.

4. **Social isolation:** Do you avoid social events or gatherings? The impact of social isolation can be quite severe. Beyond causing depression, it can also negatively affect your brain. According to a study from Ohio State University, chronic social stress from isolation causes stress responses in the brain that make you more susceptible to strokes.

5. **Too much screen time:** Do you spend a lot of time on the internet or social media? Excessive screen time can damage both the gray and white matter in key brain areas, such as the frontal lobe, which is responsible for processing and higher-order thinking. While it's nearly impossible to avoid technology altogether, it's important to moderate your screen time.

6. **Consuming too much sugar:** Do you crave sweets or soda after a long day? Craving sugar is your brain's way of responding to stress. However, too much sugar can lead to an imbalance of nutrients in the body, which extends to the brain and can cause malnourishment.

7. **Skipping breakfast:** How often do you skip breakfast? Whether you wake up in a rush or don't feel hungry, skipping breakfast can lead to brain malnourishment. After about eight hours of sleep without food, your body needs to replenish its energy and nutrients to function well throughout the day.

8. **Barely moving:** How often do you exercise? Regular physical activity like swimming or jogging greatly improves brain function. According to Brock Armstrong from Scientific American, exercise oxygenates your brain and releases growth-promoting hormones. Lack of exercise can stunt brain development and negatively affect your overall well-being.

9. Poor sleeping habits: Do you get enough sleep? Both the quantity and quality of your sleep affect your brain function and memory. Sleep deprivation can impair long-term memory and cause abnormal brain function. Additionally, sleeping with your covers over your head disrupts the oxygen flow between your brain and body, which is also harmful.

Do you relate to any of these harmful habits? Recognizing these habits early on and working to change them can help minimize your risk of brain damage.