The Three Brain Health Mistakes High-Performers Make: Are You Guilty?

If you’re like the high-achievers I know, your day probably starts before sunrise and ends long after sunset. You're always on the move, juggling multiple projects, leading teams, and pushing yourself to learn and innovate. It’s genuinely impressive to see how much you accomplish. Your ability to consistently smash goals and set new benchmarks is what sets you apart. But let's take a moment to talk about something that might not be as high on your priority list as it should be—your brain health.

In the high-speed chase towards professional and personal goals, brain health often takes a backseat.

You might not even notice it happening. It starts with just one more hour of work instead of hitting the gym, one more late night to finish that presentation, or grabbing a donut instead of a balanced meal because who has the time, right? Slowly, these choices become habits, flying under the radar while you're busy conquering the world.

Let's chat about the common traps you might be falling into without even realizing it. Don't worry, I'm not here to preach; I just want to help you see the bigger picture!

Mistake 1: All Mind, No Body

Here's the thing, your brain is part of your body (surprise!), and it needs physical activity just as much as it needs mental workouts. While it's great to challenge yourself with puzzles, learning new skills, or mastering complex concepts, remember that your grey matter thrives when your body moves.

Exercise isn't just good for your muscles, it's a natural mood lifter due to the hormones it helps release. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, often known as the body’s "feel-good" hormones. These natural mood lifters can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being. But that's not all—exercise also stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a powerful protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons. This means that regular physical activity doesn't just make you feel happier, it actually contributes to the growth and health of your brain cells. It's like hitting the refresh button on your brain!

I get it—when you're on the treadmill or taking a brisk walk, it might feel like you're not "doing" work in the traditional sense. But here's a twist in perspective: while your body is on the move, your brain is silently reaping the benefits, preparing you to be more effective and efficient when you return to your work tasks. Regular exercise has been linked to better problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and quicker learning. Plus, it's a great way to combat the stress and mental strain that comes with high-stakes environments.

Regular physical activity is a powerhouse of cognitive clarity and mood improvement. So, lace up those sneakers, and let’s get moving for the sake of your brain.

Mistake 2: Burning the Midnight Oil

As a high-performer, you're accustomed to tight deadlines and high stakes, which often means long hours and late nights. The temptation to cut back on sleep to squeeze in a few extra hours of work is strong. However, the reality is that sleep is not a passive state where your body and brain simply shut down. Instead, sleep is a dynamic period of intense activity for your brain, involving critical processes that are essential for your cognitive function and overall health.

When you cut corners on sleep, the immediate effects might seem minor—maybe you feel a bit groggy or find it hard to focus the next day. However, the long-term implications are far more serious:

1. Impaired Cognitive Abilities: Lack of sleep affects your executive functions, which include problem-solving, memory, decision-making, and reasoning. These are the very skills that high-performers rely on to excel in their fields.

2. Decreased Focus and Productivity: While it might seem like working late boosts productivity, the truth is that sleep deprivation can lead to a decrease in cognitive performance equivalent to being intoxicated. The more tired you are, the less efficiently your brain operates, rendering those extra work hours less productive than you might think.

3. Increased Risk of Burnout: Chronic sleep deprivation is a significant factor in burnout, which can lead to a drop in performance, enthusiasm, and a sense of accomplishment. This is not just about feeling tired all the time; burnout affects your motivation, which is critical for sustained professional success.

4. Long-Term Health Issues: Over time, lack of sleep can contribute to a host of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions can severely impact your quality of life and your ability to perform at your best.

Think of sleep as an investment in your day-to-day effectiveness and long-term health. It’s essential to respect your body’s need for rest and recovery, especially when the pressure is on. Remember, when it comes to maintaining peak performance, it truly is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritizing sleep is not just about avoiding negatives; it's about enhancing everything from your mental clarity to your creative insight—assets that are invaluable to any high-performer.

Mistake 3: Eating on the Fly

In high-pressure environments where every second counts, it's all too common to prioritize convenience over quality when it comes to meals. Grabbing a quick bite or succumbing to the allure of comfort food might seem like the only viable options during a hectic day. However, this approach to eating can have more significant implications for your brain health than you might realize.

When you're under stress and need a quick energy boost, foods high in sugar and fat often become the go-to choices. These foods trigger the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, providing an immediate sense of pleasure and a short-lived spike in energy. However, this spike is swiftly followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, often referred to as a "crash," which can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and even more stressed.

This cycle of quick highs and rapid lows is not just bad for your mood and productivity; it also takes a toll on your brain's ability to function optimally. Over time, a diet high in sugar can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even alter the brain's ability to use energy efficiently, which can impair cognitive functions.

Your brain is a bit of a diva, it needs a variety of nutrients to stay sharp. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals are just a few of the key players that keep your cognitive functions running smoothly and your mood stable. When life's a whirlwind, it’s tempting to eat what’s quick rather than what’s good. But, think of your diet as the fuel for your brain—an elite athlete wouldn't run a race on cheap gasoline, so why should you expect peak performance from your brain while fuelling it with sub-optimal food?

Eating well doesn't always mean spending hours in the kitchen; it can be as simple as choosing whole grains over refined ones, snacking on nuts and fruits instead of chips and candy, and opting for water or tea instead of sugary drinks. Every small choice adds up to substantial benefits for your brain.

I know you’re all about pushing limits and achieving the extraordinary, which is amazing. Just remember that taking care of your brain health is part of that equation. It’s not just about mental challenges and hard work, it’s also about taking care of your physical health, getting enough sleep, and eating right. These aren’t just good habits; they’re your support system for sustaining success without burning out. Take care of your brain, and it’ll take care of you as you conquer your goals!