Maintaining brain health and mental well-being is about more than just diet—it also involves daily habits, mindsets, and lifestyle choices. Many people unknowingly make mistakes that can negatively impact memory, focus, and cognitive function over time. From negative self-talk to chronic stress, certain behaviors can accelerate cognitive decline.
Emily, a neuroscientist, consultant, and coach, recently shared three things she avoids doing to “protect” her brain and memory. According to her, things such as gossip/drama, negative self-talk/criticism, and social media breaks are the top culprits. Read on to learn more.
1. Gossip and Drama
Did you know that constant exposure to negativity can also rewire the brain to focus on fear, worry, and judgment, leading to mental fatigue and emotional exhaustion?
“Being involved in gossip and drama reduces our ability to focus and think logically by increasing activity in the amygdala,” she says. “The amygdala is part of the emotional brain. This and the prefrontal cortex are highly connected, so being negative reduces activity in the logical brain.”
2. Negative self-talk and criticism
Avoiding negative self-talk and self-criticism helps protect the brain by reducing stress, improving emotional resilience, and supporting cognitive function.
“Negative self-talk and criticism wire the brain to look for what’s wrong rather than what’s right. It also increases stress and anxiety and reduces performance and our ability to achieve our goals. The more that you criticize yourself, the more that you criticize others, so practicing self-forgiveness will also help you to stop doing the first mistake mentioned," Emily advises.
3. Social media breaks
Have you ever been tempted to scroll through social media while waiting at a red light? Well, little social media breaks like these can “decrease focus and productivity.” The same goes for when you're waiting in line for something or taking a break at work.
Emily says you’re “overstimulating and tiring the brain. You’re also decreasing your ability to be creative because time in silence and boredom is essential for allowing the mind to wander.”
