Jammu, July 22: On the occasion of World Brain Day, Dr Anurag Saxena, HOD and Consultant Neurosurgeon, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi explains how our brain plays a major role in our daily routine.
He says, “Our brain is predetermined to seek routine and stability. It constantly works to create neural pathways based on our repeated actions forming habits that become an integral part of our daily lives. When we engage in certain activities regularly, such as waking up at a specific time, exercising, or eating meals, our brain develops automatic responses, conserving mental energy for other tasks. This process is known as “chunking” – grouping actions together to make them more efficient and streamlined.”
“The brain significantly influences our mood, motivation and energy level throughout the day. It produces feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin that helps regulate our mood. These hormones can be simply produced by a good diet, exercise, meditation and laughter. A balanced release of these hormones helps to generate a feeling of happiness, contentment and focus,” he said.
The doctor said the brain’s capacity to process information and make decisions is not limitless. This concept is known as “cognitive load”, he said, adding, “When we encounter decision fatigue due to an overwhelming number of choices, our ability to make informed decisions may suffer. Streamlining routines and automating certain tasks can reduce cognitive load, allowing us to focus on more critical decisions.”
According to Dr Saxena, an adult mind needs at least seven hours of quality sleep to function properly. “The brain utilizes this sleep to consolidate the memory, relax, repair itself and prepare for the next day. A well-rested brain becomes more active, and creative and gains the ability to handle challenges efficiently the following day,” he said.
