Brain Health: Adam Wood of RevenueGeeks On 5 Lifestyle Habits That Support Cognitive Well-Being
An Interview With Shawna Robins
Continuous Learning: Reading books, attending classes, picking up new skills, or engaging in other lifetime learning activities all engage the brain and support cognitive health. I like to read a variety of types of books since they broaden my knowledge and stimulate my curiosity. I stay cognitively sharp and my creativity is fueled by this habit.
In a world inundated with distractions, constant connectivity, and a plethora of information, our cognitive well-being has never been more crucial. Amidst the clamor, how do we nurture our minds, keep our focus sharp, and cultivate habits that promote mental clarity? The right lifestyle habits can be the cornerstone to maintaining and even enhancing our cognitive abilities, ensuring not just longevity but also the quality of our mental faculties. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Wood.
Adam Wood is a co-founder of RevenueGeeks, a premier source of knowledge about e-business and e-commerce. Adam and his team focus on assisting people in selling things on Amazon and offer frank and useful advice on utilizing the biggest online marketplace.
I am Adam Wood, one of RevenueGeeks’ co-founders. We discuss all things about online commerce and business. Our main focus is on product sales on Amazon, which is the world’s biggest online marketplace. Our goal when founding RevenueGeeks was to provide consumers with an incredibly trustworthy, dedicated, and useful resource for e-commerce and Amazon navigation.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Growing up in a small town, I was always interested in how things operated. I enjoyed disassembling electronics and attempting to reassemble them. My parents supported my early interests in technology and business and encouraged my curiosity. My early curiosity about technology eventually inspired me to pursue a career in e-commerce, where I could apply my entrepreneurial drive and love of technology.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is one that affected me. I learned from this book how important it is to create a company that can change and respond to input from customers. I recall that there were a lot of difficulties and uncertainties when we initially launched RevenueGeeks. Utilizing the ideas outlined in “The Lean Startup” allowed us to rapidly iterate, stay goal-focused, and learn from our failures. It spoke to me because it offered a useful structure for handling the challenges of launching and expanding a firm.
Let’s now talk about lifestyle habits that support cognitive well-being. Are there specific foods or diets that have been scientifically shown to enhance cognitive functions?
Yes, some diets and nutrients can improve cognitive abilities. Nuts and seeds, fatty seafood like salmon, berries like blueberries and strawberries, and leafy greens like spinach and kale, are all good. These meals provide a wealth of nutrients, antioxidants, and good fats that enhance mental function, enhance memory, and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
What are your thoughts on the importance of movement and exercise in the context of cognitive decline? How do different forms of exercise, such as aerobic vs. strength training, influence cognitive well-being?
Exercise and physical activity are essential for halting cognitive aging. Frequent exercise has been proven to enhance brain function by boosting neurotransmitter function, stimulating the creation of new brain cells, and increasing blood supply to the brain. Running and swimming are examples of aerobic activity that improves cardiovascular health and triggers the production of chemicals that are good for the brain. Strength training, like lifting weights, can enhance general physical health, improve mood, and promote mental clarity. These benefits can also extend to cognitive well-being. As we age, both forms of exercise are critical for preserving cognitive function, highlighting the necessity of a well-rounded fitness regimen that involves both strength and aerobic training.
Can mindfulness practices or meditation offer measurable benefits to cognitive health?
Yes, there are tangible benefits to cognitive health from mindfulness exercises and meditation. Regular mindfulness meditation has been linked to enhanced focus, memory, and attention, according to research. These techniques aid in lowering stress and anxiety, both of which are known to impede cognitive performance. Throughout life, including mindfulness in regular activities might be a helpful tactic for preserving and enhancing cognitive health.
How does the quality and quantity of sleep correlate with cognitive performance and long-term brain health?
Long-term brain health and cognitive function depend heavily on both the quantity and quality of sleep. The brain can process information, develop memories, and regenerate itself when it gets enough sleep. The ability to focus, pay attention, and make decisions might be affected by little or poor quality sleep. Throughout life, retaining sharp cognitive capacities and general well-being depends on making sleep a priority as part of a healthy lifestyle.
How do social connections and interpersonal relationships influence our cognitive well-being?
Our interpersonal ties and social connections have a big impact on how well our cognitive systems function. Meaningful social connections improve cognitive abilities like perspective-taking, problem-solving, and emotional control. Strong relationships with others are essential for preserving cognitive function because they can lower stress and offer emotional support. Maintaining an active social life may also help to promote an overall more active lifestyle, which benefits brain health. Therefore, maintaining connections with others and cultivating good relationships can have a significant favorable impact on cognitive well-being throughout life.
What role do lifelong learning and continuous mental stimulation play in maintaining optimal cognitive health?
To preserve the best possible state of cognitive health, lifelong learning, and constant mental stimulation are necessary. The brain stays sharp and active when it is involved in mentally engaging activities like reading, puzzle solving, learning new skills, and hobbies. These exercises support neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to change and create new connections. Neuroplasticity is essential for maintaining memory and cognitive function.
Here is the central question of our discussion. What are your five favorite lifestyle habits that proactively support cognitive well-being? Please share a story or an example for each, if you can.
1. Frequent Exercise: Increasing blood flow to the brain through activity like yoga or jogging not only improves physical health but also improves cognitive function. To improve my energy levels for the day and to focus better during work hours, I, for instance, regularly go for a morning run.
2. Healthy Diet: Vital nutrients that support brain health can be obtained by eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. I place a high value on consuming foods that are known to enhance cognitive performance, such as nuts and berries. Not only do they taste great, but they also help you stay mentally clear all day.
3. Good Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining brain health and cognitive function. I make it a point to obtain seven to eight hours of sleep every night, which makes me feel alert and rested the following day. I can approach problems with clarity and make better decisions because of this habit.
4. Mindfulness Meditation: The practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to lower stress, increase focus, and promote cognitive flexibility. I make time for meditation every day, which helps me maintain my composure and properly handle the demands of daily life. I feel like this practice has improved my mental toughness and general well-being tremendously.
5. Continuous Learning: Reading books, attending classes, picking up new skills, or engaging in other lifetime learning activities all engage the brain and support cognitive health. I like to read a variety of types of books since they broaden my knowledge and stimulate my curiosity. I stay cognitively sharp and my creativity is fueled by this habit.
Are there any proven techniques or habits that can help protect against age-related cognitive decline?
Indeed, age-related cognitive loss can be prevented in part with tried-and-true methods and routines. Frequent exercise improves blood flow to the brain and lowers the risk of diseases that impair cognition. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids promotes brain health. By reading, solving puzzles, or picking up new skills, one can keep their mind engaged and retain cognitive talents. Reducing stress and maintaining mental engagement are two other ways that socializing and maintaining relationships with friends and family support cognitive health. These routines, in addition to controlling stress and sleep, can assist in maintaining cognitive function as we age.
In your professional or personal experience, what can be done to delay cognitive decline if the genetic predisposition is there?
In my experience, there are a few things that may be done to postpone the onset of cognitive decline if there is an inherited potential for it. It’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. It can also be beneficial to keep the mind engaged by reading, doing puzzles, or picking up new skills. Maintaining social interaction and practicing appropriate stress management are also crucial.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
It would be fascinating to have lunch with Elon Musk if I got the chance. His ground-breaking methods in technology, space exploration, and renewable energy have had a significant influence on the world stage. It would be immensely motivating and educational to talk about his outlook on the future and his insights into entrepreneurship.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on RevenueGeeks’ website and social media channels to receive updates on our most recent observations and advice for success with Amazon and e-commerce.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
I am very grateful. I’m happy I was able to provide you with these insights. I hope you stay well and continue to be successful! Please contact us again if you require any additional help or if you have any more questions in the future.
About the Interviewer: Shawna Robins is an international best-selling author of two books — Powerful Sleep — Rest Deeply, Repair Your Brain and Restore Your Life, and Irresistibly Healthy — Simple Strategies to Feel Vibrant, Alive, Healthy and Full of Energy Again. Shawna is the founder and CEO of Third Spark, an online wellness hub for women over 40 who want to reignite their sleep, reset healthier habits and respark their lives. Shawna is a sleep expert, hormone health expert, and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She has been featured on many podcasts including Dr. Mindy Pelz’s “The Resetter Podcast” and in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. A free download of her latest book can be found at www.thirdsparkhealth.com/powerful-sleep/ You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
