Like other muscles and organs, our brains also decline as we age, which can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
We all know that exercise, brain-stimulating games and certain types of food and supplements can help improve cognitive health. But exercise and good nutrition aren’t the only keys to keeping your mind happy and healthy.
You should also practice the following lifestyle habits to ensure a sharp and healthy brain as you age.
Stress be gone!
Acute stress is okay but when it becomes chronic, it can be deadly. Chronic stress can alter your brain function, causing memory problems and other mental health issues. It can even measurably shrink your brain and stop the generation of new brain cells. (BeBrainFit.com) Daily stress is inevitable and normal; you just got to learn how to manage it well.
http://guestdietblog.com/2017/08/5-ways-to-de-stress-instantly/
Get the right amount of sleep.
7-8 hours of sleep is recommended to help maintain brain health as you age. According to AARP, not getting enough zzz’s can contribute certain brain health illnesses such as dementia and depression. If you have trouble sleeping at night, there are certain Foods & Drinks to Help You Sleep Better, or seek the help of Gadgets to Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep.
Be a Social Butterfly.
Socializing is one of the major keys to maintaining good memory and fighting off mental issues like Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Chronic Depression. (Brain HQ) It’s important to maintain a close relationship and constant communication with friends and family. Get involved in social activities and travel as much as you can for more opportunities to socialize and promote cognitive health.
Change things up!
Following the same routine day after day can cause your brain to become stagnant, and you don’t want that. Change things up to stimulate your brain and make it sharper and healthier! When you challenge your brain, you increase oxygen and blood flow to your brain, activate brainwaves and boost the production of neurotransmitters which are responsible in the communication between the brain and the body.
So pursue a new hobby, switch up your daily routine, re-decorate your home, and explore new places… basically anything that’s out of your usual routine.
