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A healthy mind and an equally fit brain are working for neuroscientist Emily McDonald. The American researcher thus exposed on TikTok three bad habits which usually harm us and which she strongly advises against. Find out which ones.
Moderating your alcohol consumption and enjoying a varied and balanced diet can help preserve the good health of your brain. But did you know that what you watch, listen to or perceive on a daily basis can also affect your state of mind and your mental health? In any case, this is the point of view of Emily McDonald, an American neuroscientist who shares her advice on TikTok for staying alert. According to her, there are three bad habits that we can completely eliminate from our daily lives to feel better.
Do not watch toxic programs on television
According to Emily McDonald, watching horrible or toxic media, whether distressing news or horror films, can increase cortisol levels and disrupt sleep, which is essential for brain health.
“Toxic TV just normalizes toxic behaviors – which embed themselves in your brain and become your mindset” she specifies, admitting that she no longer watches the news.
Don’t listen to or sing sad songs (when everything is going well)
The scientist reminds us, “listening to music activates neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to rewire itself”. According to her, music does have power, and “the words you sing when you listen to music are actually even more connected than if you were to just say them – especially because music often ties emotion into them as well.”
In other words, listening to or singing sad songs when everything is going well could impact your mental health. However, research shows that sad music can be helpful in processing emotions… which is why Ms. McDonald admits to doing it when she needs to release negative emotions.
Do not judge others or yourself
Finally, the last negative habit to avoid would be to constantly judge others as well as yourself. “One of the most important things I’ve learned about mental health and mindset is that everything you judge others on is related to something you judge yourself on internally,” she revealed. But leaving yourself alone and stopping judging yourself would have a virtuous effect. “As I give myself more recognition and forgiveness, I discover that I also do it for others”she confirms.
Three tips that are not revolutionary, but are easy to implement to keep a clear and positive mind.
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