Social Connection is an interesting topic because opinion can be divided; some people are ‘people people’ and thrive off social connection, others find being around people quite hard work, and then some people or groups can be quite emotionally toxic; neither of the latter are beneficial for Brain health & Brainspan.
Despite the subjectivity, research often suggests that social connection is highly beneficial for the Brain; not just the interactions themselves but also because social interaction may offer opportunities to learn something (new) which supports Neuroplasticity.
Maintaining uplifting social connections is also an effective way of regulating states-of-mind-and-mood, mitigating the risk of anxiety, depression and loneliness; the latter being an often-cited and impactful risk factor for cognitive impairment & decline, (often also accompanied by declining audiological & hearing health).
Social connection also offers the opportunity to get out-and-about. The simple action of getting outside of your four walls may support your circadian rhythm (thus indirectly your sleep), minimise the risk of your thoughts & mindset turning inwards, and of over-focusing on an electronic device. If these transpire into chronic habitual behaviours it may become exhausting despite you having barely moved, so positioning yourself, your perspective, or even simply your gaze outwards and upwards may help support your Brainspan.
Cognitive Reserve (the ability to adapt and use neuronal pathways in lifelong learning & stimulation, particularly after Brain injury has occurred) may also be affected by social connection. Research indicates those adroitly able to navigate social connections may have an advantage of retaining cognitive reserve. Having said this, there are many other ways to support cognitive reserve so if you are not a natural social chameleon it does not necessarily equate to a disadvantage of generating or retaining cognitive reserve.
Having said the above, not all socialising is equal. In-amongst seeking-out stimulating social company it would of course be beneficial to remove yourself from as many socially detrimental or toxic situations as possible. This discernment is very important for Brain health because being belittled, derided, humiliated or mocked (including low grade chronic teasing) may all beget elevated cortisol and, generically, ‘stress’ which can detrimentally impact camaraderie, motivation, mood, and ultimately Brain health.
So whilst you might want to be strategic & selective about your social connections, to sustainably support your Brainspan through social connection here are three lifestyle Nutr’isms you could try to consistently establish to help you achieve this:
1. Volunteer. If you can do so within a group setting that piques your intellectual, gastronomic (eating collectively is highly supporting for Brain health) or creative interest, so much the better. Or if it could be in an outdoor environment (such as a Landmark Trust, Visit England, or National Trust estate) this may also support your physical fitness, (both nature and movement are highly supportive of Brain health).
2. Intergenerational, multicultural (travel), and/or interdisciplinary interactions, where it is appropriate ad safe to do so, can be an enlightening form of socialising. The ever-changing world can be daunting, especially for those suspected or diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Therefore learning from those with real life lived experience may support Neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.
3. Kindness & Philanthropy (named or anonymous) since this often brings you into contact with societal connection and could even help strike up unexpected conversations or friendships. One does not need to enact grand philanthropic gestures; simply offering to cook a meal (cooking-from-scratch is also supports your cephalic phase of digestion), or telling someone standing next to you in a queue that they look nice in what they are wearing are gestures of kindness which cognitively benefits the gesture-giver and compliment-receiver.
Please note that these are just a few general recommendations; they are not personalised and they are not tailored to include recommendations for any existing physical or mental health imbalances or medical conditions. In these cases, if you have a health or medical condition that needs specific management and requirements, please consult a Medical, Psychiatric or Counselling professional alongside a Nutritionist/Dietician expert.
In the meantime, don’t forget Eat, Drink, Think Nutrition and spare a thought (no pun intended) for your Brain health. Losing your Brain power can be even more devastating to you, and those around you, than losing an aspect of your physical health, so why wouldn’t you start to look after your Brain ASAP since diet and lifestyle modifications actioned NOW could save a lot of distress and heartbreak later in life.
REMEMBER: if you are taking any medications always consult a Registered Nutritional Therapist as well as your Doctor before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes. This blog post is written for education & information purposes only.
If Brain, cognitive and/or memory are issues which you are struggling with and you want to discover the inspiring & sustainable diet & lifestyle programmes offered by Nutritional Therapy, get in touch via the Contact Me page on this website, or directly on info@eatdrinkthinknutrition.co.uk for more information about 1:2:1 Consultations with Kate at Eat Drink Think Nutrition®
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