Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-smiling-while-looking-at-a-tablet-computer-6787953/
Maintaining brain health or cognitive health is crucial as we age. The ability to think, learn and remember are essential for people to function independently and enjoy a high quality of life. As we age, we may not use cognitive abilities as much, and like any other skill or muscle, you may lose the capability when you stop using it. Incorporating these techniques into your life can help keep your mind sharp as you age.
What Happens As Your Brain Ages
As we get older, our brain may not function as efficiently as it once did, and this is known as cognitive impairment. Symptoms of cognitive impairment can include poor memory or recall and the inability to learn new things or concentrate. Much research is happening in this field of study, so we still have a lot to learn, but you can help your brain by taking care of yourself and making healthy choices.
Keep Your Mind Active
Playing games, particularly video or online games, has a reputation for being an activity for children. Games are an excellent way to learn, but they are also a great way to keep your mind functioning and active. Setting aside time to play games can provide mental stimulation and can maintain or improve cognitive health. Games that require logic, memory, and matching can be beneficial, and just playing for a short time each day can make a difference.
Whether you take pen to paper or check out an online game does not matter so much as the activity of playing a game and engaging your mind. You can pick up a puzzle book or your tablet to work out a crossword or Sudoku grid. Check out an online casino to give your brain a workout while enjoying other benefits like stress reduction and happiness.
Work in Physical Activity
Routine aerobic exercise, like walking or running or anything that gets your heart rate up, can manage various health issues from high blood pressure to obesity, and it can even play a role in brain health. Research has shown that exercise helps improve memory and thinking ability. Increased blood flow during exercise can help improve brain function and development by growing new blood vessels and releasing chemicals in the brain.
In addition to improving your health, exercise can also give your mood a boost and increase your self-esteem while helping you enjoy a higher cognitive function.
Make Time to Rest
Exercise, both cognitive and physical, matters, but rest is an equally important aspect of maintaining brain health. High-quality sleep allows you to function throughout your waking hours by ensuring you can concentrate and focus, as well as improving memory, creativity, problem-solving capabilities, judgment, and more. Routinely getting plenty of sleep gives your brain time to recoup from your day and prepare for the next day, which will set you up for success.
Manage Your Diet
Diet impacts all aspects of health. A healthy diet aids your physical health, and it is thought that improved physical fitness leads to enhanced brain health. Researchers are still looking for the link, but it is believed that a healthy diet may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products in your diet will benefit your overall health and help keep your mind sharp.
Be Social
Being social and engaging with friends and family members can keep your brain active while warding off feelings of depression or isolation. People are social by nature, so engaging with others requires memory and verbal skills and keeps your brain active—people who routinely socialize report feeling happier, more productive, and enjoying a sense of purpose.
It is important to note that while socializing is crucial to mental well-being, it is pivotal to follow all appropriate health practices and protocols regarding the Coronavirus when spending time with others in person. Phone calls and video chats can make it easy to stay in touch and engage on a social level if you are unable to visit in person.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a natural response and is part of everyone’s life in some capacity. When people are experiencing high levels of stress or consistent stress, they may experience diminished mental capacity or feel like they are stuck in a mental fog and left unable to concentrate or recall names and other important information. Chronic stress can lead to headaches, depression, feelings of tiredness, or insomnia and cause a lack of motivation.
Reducing stress can help alleviate the negative mental impacts. Going for a walk, meditating, journaling, or talking through issues with a trusted confidant or a trained professional are all ways to reduce stress, which will help maintain your brain health.
Stay Sharp
Mental function and health are essential at all stages of life, and while it can be normal to see a slight decline in cognitive health as people age, this is preventable and reversible. Finding ways to stay active, both mentally and physically, and introducing other easy-to-maintain habits into your life can help keep your mind sharp and improve your quality of life.