In this article, Dr. Mohana Rao discusses five activities that help to sharpen and maintain the brain’s capacity and agility.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is one of Andhra Pradesh’s best neurosurgeons. He holds several degrees and is well-versed in all aspects of neuroscience.

After earning his MBBS from Andhra medical college in Visakhapatnam in 2002, he went on to Nizam’s institute of medical sciences in Hyderabad to pursue his specialization in neurosurgery in 2013. He completed his fellowship in skull base and epilepsy surgery at Hyderabad in 2014.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla then moved abroad to further his education. He received training in a variety of subspecialties there, including: 

• Fellowship in the Minimally invasive skull base surgery, Ohio, USA. 
• Fellowship in Pediatric neurosurgery, Colorado, USA. 
• Fellowship in Pediatric neurosurgery and minimally invasive neurosurgery, Ohio, USA. 
• Fellowship in Neuro-oncology, and Functional and Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Virginia, USA. 
• Fellowship in Endovascular and Cerebrovascular, Virginia, USA.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla has also attended several workshops and seminars to further his education, making him a renowned neurosurgeon in Andhra Pradesh. His dedication to his chosen job is admirable.

In this essay, the doctor explains the five pillars of his success in detail, intending to make you “better, faster, fitter, and sharper.”

Move, discover, rest, nourish, and connect are the “five pillars of brain health” that scientific data has demonstrated to be “essential to promoting optimal cognitive performance across the lifespan.”

Here are some of his best pieces of advice:

Exercise

Dr. Rao argues that exercise, both aerobic and non-aerobic (strength training), is excellent for the body and the brain. “There is an obvious, direct, and profound link between physical fitness and mental fitness.”

What is the best way to use this pillar?

If you already enjoy exercising, dr. Rao recommends changing up your regimen. Change up your jogging routine and try something new, like swimming or cycling.

If you’re new to exercising, start with a few minutes of gentle activity collaborating with your doctor and gradually increase your time.

Discover

According to a study, learning new things strengthens the brain and works the skull. Your brain should be considered a muscle, and exercising it will improve your attention span and concentration.

What is the best way to use this pillar?

Read a book that isn’t related to your job or career, enroll in a class to learn more about something you’re interested in, try to learn a new language, or join a writing group.

Relax

According to Dr. Rao, “relaxing is not merely a physical thing for the body.” “Your brain, too, needs to unwind.”

“A large number of well-designed research… Consistently show that lack of sleep can impair memory and prolonged stress can damage your ability to learn and adapt to new situations.”

It is said, if you prioritize sleep and rest, your brain will improve.

What is the best way to use this pillar?

Get at least seven hours of sleep per night, which is “the bare minimum if you want to have normal, healthy functioning physiology from your brain on down,” according to the experts.

After your final meal, allow three hours for digestion, stop drinking caffeine after 2 p.m., establish a sleep regimen, take a bath or read a book before bed, and keep devices out of the bedroom.

Nourish

According to Dr. Rao, new research reveals that consuming certain meals and avoiding others can help you maintain your memory and brain function.

“Eat Sanjay style,” he advises, referring to a large breakfast, a medium lunch, and a small dinner.

What is the best way to use this pillar?

Reduce portion sizes, hydrate, add extra natural omega-3 fats and plan what you’re going to consume by following the sharp technique.

Dr. Rao further points out that “we often confuse hunger for thirst” and that even a tiny amount of dehydration can reduce brain capacity.

Connect

Good social ties have long been shown to make individuals happier and healthier. Still, Dr. Rao, an outstanding neurosurgeon from Andhra Pradesh, claims that they can also improve your brain’s ability to adapt and help keep your cognitive strength.

What is the best way to use this pillar?

Make connections with older and younger people than you, volunteer, have a pen pal, get a pet, or seek professional help, such as a therapist, if you are struggling socially.

Dr. Rao stresses the need to tailor all five pillars to each person’s unique lifestyle and personality and encourages people to be open-minded about their ability to change.

“Never lose sight of the fact that the brain is extremely plastic,” adds Dr. Rao. “it can rewire and remodel itself as a result of your experiences and habits, and much of this remolding can be accomplished in as little as twelve weeks.

“It’s the same as if you were strengthening any other muscle.”