23 Mind-Melting Habits You Absolutely Must Dodge

9. Frequent And Prolonged Stress

Everyone has to deal with some level of stress every day, but frequent and prolonged stress can lead to brain damage. Chronic stress increases an individual's susceptibility to mental illness, and it can worsen the effects of already-existing mental illness. Stress also changes the function and structure of the brain. The brain produces myelin, a protective coating that helps speed up neuron connections. But patients with chronic stress produce too much myelin, and not only does this cause short-term issues, but it also causes long-term changes to the brain's structure. Another study indicated prolonged stress could kill new neurons formed in the hippocampus. This portion of the brain is associated with learning, memory, and emotion. Frequent stress can also lead to shrinking in the parts of the brain that regulate memory, metabolism, and emotions.

10. Excessive Use Of Electronics

Excessive use of electronics can lead to issues with brain health. This is particularly important when the electronics use is an addictive behavior. Researchers have discovered individuals can become addicted to the internet and gaming. Addiction is different from overuse because it is a mental illness, and it can be one of multiple unhealthy coping mechanisms. In individuals with gaming and internet addiction, multiple studies indicate the brain's gray matter begins to atrophy. The frontal lobe was affected, leading to impairment in executive functioning. In addition, the striatum had lower volume. This part of the brain suppresses socially inappropriate impulses and creates reward pathways. The brain's white matter was also compromised, becoming 'spotty.' In turn, this caused the brain to have trouble with communication. Gaming and internet addicts have also been shown to have reduced cortical thickness, which causes cognitive impairment.