5 Activities to Keep Your Brain Young
Things simple you can do to stop brain atrophy.
As we get older, our brains naturally change, not necessarily for the better. Things we used to remember quickly become harder and harder to bring to mind. Names disappear from our memory, memory slows down, and sometimes we forget certain things. We temporarily struggle to bring the names of everyday items to mind.
This development is the natural progression of age and is a sign that some neural connections are being broken down. However, this degenerative process need not be a thing that we have to put up with because there are some practical activities we can do to keep our brains young.
By adopting some everyday habits that have a net positive value, we can improve some of these connections and in some cases, even create new ones.
Sound interesting? Here’s what you can do!
#1 Stimulate Your Mind Often
Read, learn an instrument, build birdhouses, make art — any stimulation that requires mental and manual energy will help develop your neuroplasticity.
If that’s not your thing or you’re not able to do those things, work on crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, math problems, or learn a language. All of these things help create new neural pathways.
Research suggests that these activities can create new connections between cells and, in some cases, even generate new brain cells.
#2 Take Some Exercise
It is widely believed that physical activity boosts mental health and brain activity. It is possible to create new neurons in the brain through exercise. In this way, our brains become more adaptable, malleable and efficient.
All this means that we can become more mentally efficient and keep our brains young if we exercise.
#3 Eat better
According to the Zutphen Elderly Study, published in 2007, “Fish consumers had a significantly smaller 5-year decline in cognitive ability than non-consumers.”
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/85/4/1142/4733430?login=false
Science Daily reports another study, “People who eat baked or fried fish weekly may improve their brain health and reduce their risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095257.htm
This fact tells us that our eating habits matter, so we need to look for healthier alternatives, such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, including fish.
#4 Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Sorry but you may not want to hear this. It’s simple. Just don’t partake in alcohol and tobacco to maintain your brain health.
If you feel you must have an alcoholic beverage, try to limit yourself to one or two drinks per week. Alcohol destroys brain function just as nicotine does. It is also thought that alcohol increases the risk of dementia.
Having a group to participate in or having many family members around you helps keep the brain young.
This occurs because social people are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other antisocial behaviors.
Make a point of spending time with family and friends whenever you can. Visit your auntie, see your Grandad. When your old friend from high school calls, go out for a cup of coffee with them.
It’s not hard to keep our brains young. With a bit of exercise, care over our diet, and taking time to develop social skills, we can make sure we stay sharp for many, many years.
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Originally published on my blog at https://workyourthoughts.com on March 10, 2022.
