BRAIN FAG.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3411, 30 December 1911, Page 3

BRAIN FAG.

CAUSED BY WOMAN’S WORK

It might be imagined that only students and brain workers suffer from brain fag. Yet the complaint is very common at the present day, and affects hand workers as well as head .workers, and women even more than men. The reason for the greater prevalence o? brain fag and nervous trouble among women is that, although they have less physical strength than men, they often make greater demands upon their store. Thus the boy clerk, when he has done his day’s work, hi YDS P,E' EE ATI OX IX THE OPEN Alii, while the girl who does similar work finishes up her dry by helping with household matters or sewing for herself or others. Although such work may prove a change from office routine it is taken up in an earnest spirit, and thus proves very tiring. Similarly a husband relaxes when his day’s work is clone, but the wife feels that she is unworthy of the name unless she is working her hardest from early morning until late at night. THE COXSEQUEXCE OF THIS intenseness of occupation is that the mind gives way beneath the strain, and the work shows a falling off in quality. Instead of work being a pleasure, it is undertaken in a half-hearted fashion, and when things go awry there is irritability and bad temper. These symtonis must be regarded as a danger signal, the brain health must receive attention, or there will be a nervous breakdown which will entail a long rest and heavy doctor's bill THERE IS A VERY CLOSE CONNECTION between the mind and the body. Good bodilv health does much to keep the brain, which is the seat of the mind, in good working order. The brain is really a part of the body, although the most important part, and is nourished and built up in the same way as any other part of the body by the circulation of blood through it. Thus, if we would keep the brain in good working order, so that we are mentally fit and able to give forth our best in the matter of work, we must pay special attention to the quality and condition of the blood. THE BLOOD IS RICH OR POOR, according to the quality of the food taken, and it must not be overlooked that the quality of food is not so much a question of 'cost as of wise choice. A glass of milk does more for the blood than a glass of champagne, oatineal porridge than rich pastry, and fresh herrings than crabs and lobsters. Therefore the first thing is to learn what is nourishing food, and to choose that in preference to what is indigestible and unwholesome. The blood must be pure as well as good. Pure blood depends upon two things—pure air and well-regulated bowels. OPEN AIR IS PART OF THE CERE for nervous breakdown, and is certainly one of the best preventives. Constipation leads to the accumulation of poisons in the blood, so that a regular habit of body must be cultivated. A glass of cold'water on rising, a leisured breakfast, and time to attend to-Nat-ure’s needs before beginning the day’s work will soon bring about regularity in this matter, while plenty of fruit and vegetables in the dietary will prove of benefit. Brain fag cannot he prevented by idleness, indeed, idle people are more liable to nerve trouble than the busy folks. Work, and work with a will, if you would keep nerve trouble at bay. a pride and pleasure in work always lightens it. Like metal, the brain is brightened by use, and becomes dull and rusted with neglect. No matter what our powers or talents may be, we must exercise them; the only point is that rie MUST NOT STRIVE TO GO BEYOND OUR SPOWERS. As soon as there is a trace of exhaustion change the occupation, so that another part of the body is set to work. Let the hours of sleep be fairly long, and avoid brain work at night.