Tips to keep your brain healthy
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Oct 17, 2020 • 3 min Read
Your brain is the most amazing and powerful part of your body, it allows you to do all the things that make you human. It is important to keep your brain healthy.
Research shows that you can help prevent cognitive decline with some basic good health habits. From the American Brain Society, here are some tips on how to keep your brain healthy and fit — no matter what your age is:
1. Embrace a healthy, balanced diet
We can’t control everything that happens to our bodies, the foods we eat influence the structure and health of our brains, supporting both short- and long-term function. This means we need to incorporate a diet low in saturated and trans fats and chock full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids specifically to boost brain health.
2. Keep your heart healthy
To keep your brain healthy, pay attention to your cardiovascular health. The most important strategy is to stay on top of your heart health and work closely with your doctor to ensure your blood is pumping easily and effectively.
3. Make movement a priority
Keeping physically active is key to keeping your brain working. Studies show that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week will help to keep your brain sharp, improving cognitive function, slowing down the mental aging process, and helping us process information more effectively.
4. Get plenty of rest
Your brain is working non-stop all day, and the best way to keep it in tip-top shape is by shutting off for at least seven-nine hours per night. Studies show that inadequate sleep is linked to slower thinking. According to an expert, sleep is the most important thing you can do to reset the brain, allowing it to heal, and to restore mental health.
5. If you smoke, quit. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself
We all know that smoking causes lung disease along with numerous other health problems, but it can also increase your risk of cognitive decline. According to an expert, having a drink is fine but within moderation because drinking has a stronger effect on our bodies as we age.
6. Stay social and connected
A big part of keeping your brain sharp and healthy is maintaining an active social life. Being engaged with family, friends and your community is good for both your physical and mental health.
7. Use all of your senses
Studies show that the more senses you use to learn something, the more of your brain will be involved in retaining memory. Consider challenging all your senses where possible.
8. Nourish your soul
Engage in self-care. Feed your body, mind, and soul by engaging in things such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Research shows that five-ten minutes of mindful meditation can help calm your brain, making it easier to sleep and reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and confusion.
9. Keep your mind stimulated by trying new things
Regardless of your age, don’t stop learning. Experts say that building new skills throughout your life will help keep your brain healthy by constantly creating new connections between brain cells.
10. Set boundaries
To maintain optimal brain health, you need to rest and recharge. This means creating and setting boundaries – disconnect from work when you can, put your device to the side, and say nowhere possible. Plan for some time away so that you can mentally recharge. Make a conscious effort to have a balance in your life. Relax.
Go combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for your brain and body. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits for your brain, body and mind will thank you later.
Stay healthy and safe!
