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For optimum brain function, you need to take good care of your neurotransmitters!

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals messengers in the brain that transmit messages from nerve cells to other nerves, muscles or organs.

Neurotransmitter imbalances can cause mood swings, memory problems, addictive behavior, low energy, and sleep issues. We constantly alter our neurotransmitter levels by what we eat and drink, exercise and medications we use.

The six most important neurotransmitters are kept functioning well with a healthy diet, exercise, getting enough sleep and having adequate exposure to sunshine.

Did you know your brain is divided into two hemispheres, each with separate functions that are connected to allow them to communicate and work together?

The left hemisphere, which controls the right side of the body, controls language, relies on logic and is the part of the brain we draw on to do math, science and access facts from memory. This is the dominant hemisphere for about 90% of the population.

The right hemisphere, which controls the left side of the body, handles spatial relationships, facial recognition, processing music, creativity, emotions and interprets non-verbal communication signals.

Your brain has three primary areas: the cortex that is in charge of higher-level thinking, the limbic system that rules emotion, and the brain stem (commonly called the reptilian brain) that is in charge of instinctual needs (fight or flight response). Integrating all parts of your brain will give you the input you need to make sound decisions.

You are in charge of the actions you take each day, which means that as you’re working towards a goal, you can persist in the efforts that move you closer to your goal(s). Persistence, in a nutshell, is the ability to continue a course of action even in the face of obstacles.

When you take responsibility for your actions, you’ll feel in control of your life. Studies have shown that people who feel in control of their choices are happier and more resilient.

Resistance and persistence work together; learn to resist (distractions, temptations, etc.) early in the process so you can stay on track to achieve your goal long term.