Mental sharpness and good cognitive function are things that we often take for granted. Our brains are constantly active and act as a control panel for our bodies. Just like any other muscle, joint, organ, or bone in our bodies, you can take certain actions to ensure your brain is in tip-top shape.
As people age, their bodies start to deteriorate. While this is normal, declining brain function and mental sharpness can be frustrating and upsetting for many. Organic or naturally occurring brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, can cause significant memory loss and can prevent people from being able to take care of themselves. This is a cruel aspect of aging that currently can’t be reversed.
However, studies have shown that cognitive decline is not inevitable. You can take preventative measures to reduce your chances of suffering dementia and certain neurological illnesses. Here are five health-habits to help maintain a sharp mind and a healthy brain.
Exercise
Most people understand that staying physically active and maintaining a decent level of fitness is healthy for the body. However, many don’t realize the benefits that exercise has on the brain.
Exercise helps pump blood around your body. This increased blood flow benefits the brain and counteracts naturally occurring brain diminishment. Those who are physically active have shown that they are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s and experience less decline in mental function.
Keep your body moving and try to get between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise every day.
2. Sleep
Sleep is crucial for health, and in particular, for the brain. A lack of sleep makes it difficult to focus and hold attention. This has a profound effect on productivity, performance, mood, and reaction time. Regular daily activities can become hard to do.
In order to keep a sharp mind and to excel in problem-solving, you need to get your rest. The key to good quality sleep is to establish a routine. Prioritize getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night and reap the benefits the next day.
3. Stay mentally stimulated
Just like with your body, take the time to get a mental workout in. Mentally stimulating activities or games can create new connections between certain nerve cells in your brain, contributing to long term brain function.
Find activities that are not only stimulating but that you enjoy doing too. Playing cards, puzzles, or games where you unscramble words are great options. Drawing, painting, and crafting are other examples of mentally stimulating activities.
4. Socialize
Having a social outlet becomes increasingly important as you get older. Spending large periods alone has been linked to brain atrophy. Lack of social interaction can also lead to depression, stress, and anxiety. Such mental illnesses are often contributors to memory loss and decreasing cognitive ability.
5. Don’t stop learning
Similarly to mentally stimulating activities and games, continuous learning is associated with better mental functioning when people get older. By keeping the brain active and relying on it to recall information, the brain cells are maintained healthily.
Continue or start to read and learn new things regularly. Challenge your brain to retain information and don’t shy away from trying new things.
