Have you ever walked into a room and wondered what it was you were looking for? Most of us have. Can’t remember where you left your keys or what your passcode is for your online banking.
Our brains are complex and intricate organs that we are constantly learning about. As we age, we often notice differences in how we think or how our brain actually functions.
While we can’t prevent diseases like dementia, we can keep lazy brains at bay. Your brain, just like any other organ or muscle, needs to be taken care of. There are easy ways you can be good to your brain.
Be Good to Your Brain
It’s never too late to start taking better care of your brain.
Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s sleep is so important for your brain health. It’s important for your overall health, as well, as that is when your body can heal. Your brain also needs to heal and rest.
Without proper sleep, you can’t focus or function properly. It can cause you to make mistakes which can be dangerous. Being tired and foggy-minded can also make you cranky and affect your mood and mental health.
Eat a Proper Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can also make a big difference in your brain health. That means fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and a focus on plant-based foods.
Avoid a lot of meat, salt, and excessive amounts of alcohol, and out with trans fats and more omega 3 fats. Junk food and snack foods taste good, but they are not doing your brain or your waistline any favors.
Exercise
Get a bit of exercise every day, if possible. No one needs you to run a marathon, but go for a walk, take the stairs, walk the dog, go for a bike ride, take up yoga, or whatever you enjoy and can do.
Exercise gets your heart beating and your blood flowing. It is a great way to release stress and tension, which in turn will help clear your mind. If you haven’t been active for a while, get a check-up with your doctor before starting, and start slowly.
Exercise Your Mind
An idle mind will stay that way. You need to stimulate your brain every day. Try reading the newspaper in the morning and do the crosswords or other puzzles provided. You can also find these online.
Read a book, play cards or solitaire, or even take a class. You can take something at your local community college or take a course online. There are plenty of ways to challenge yourself, all free online.
Stay Social
If we learned anything from this pandemic, it’s how important the loved ones in our lives are. Engage with people as often as you can. A good gossip with a neighbor, a family dinner, or a regular social engagement with friends.
If you need to, you can engage with people online, as we all have been doing of late. Connecting with family and friends in any way you can is important and will keep your mental health in great shape.
If you still smoke, stop. Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking recreational drugs cause a lot of damage. If you are finding that you or a loved one is having memory problems, consult your medical professional.
Even the slightest change in your lifestyle can help clear your brain and increase its functioning power. If you are concerned about yourself or someone close to you, consider a medical alert system for safety and peace of mind.