6. Keep a positive state of mind

A decline in brain activity and loss of function has a lot to do with one's state of mindespecially in the elderly. As we think of ourselves as incapable of certain faculties, our subconscious mind29 accepts this idea and we end up in effect unable to do something just because we believe we cannot! High self-esteem, belief in oneself, in 29 A detailed discussion of the subconscious is found in the next section of this chapter. one's potential and the realization of one's achievements are essential in keeping a healthy brain and a positive state of mind. As our Prophet (* ) advised: «The strong believer is more loved by Allah than the weak one, and there is benefaction in both.» 30 If we stop using one of our brain functions (especially at a young age), it will gradually cease to develop and we can lose this faculty forever. We all have the ability to boost our brain performance and even our intelligence - we only have to believe in it and work at it.