When we talk about health, it’s often confined to the physical. Our weight, skin health, and general physical attributes are what we focus on but what’s happening inside is really important to our wellbeing too. Along with a healthy heart, skin and gut, our brains are vital to longevity with a high quality of life. As Alzheimer’s disease numbers rise worldwide, more of a focus on proactive brain health has been brought to the forefront. People don’t want to know how to fix their brains; they want to know to keep it healthy in the first place.
So how can you nurture this oft-neglected, but essential, part of your body for optimal health?
Move
Did you know that taking a walk can actually improve memory function? Recent studies point to reversal of memory deterioration with three 30-minute walks per week. The research shows that the area responsible for memory function, the hippocampus, increases with enough physical movement. So start walking and more often – your brain will thank you.
Drink Coffee
Whether you’re a caffeine fan or not, there is some research that points to its positive effects. Drinking that morning cup of coffee, or even caffeinated tea, improves temporary memory and cognition. That caffeine jolt doesn’t just wear off, though. One study found that women who indulged in three or more cups of caffeinated coffee each day had a rate of memory decline that was one-third slower than peers. So if you really love caffeine, don’t feel too badly about it. It’s actually one of nature’s energy boosts.
Meditate
Real meditation is so good for you that it can knock 7.5 years off the age of your brain and is especially valuable to people aged 50 or above. It’s not just an exercise for your current brain, but meditation actually produces brand new brain cells, the researchers say. No matter what your age, meditation can benefit your brain, with the bonus effect of benefitting your physical health too.
Rest
American adults get so little sleep that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared lack of sleep a health epidemic. An adult brain needs a minimum of 7 hours of sleep to regenerate. Give yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep – every night – to prioritize brain health.
Play Games
Down time is really important but can be full of opportunities for leisure activities that also benefit your brain. Doing crossword puzzles, playing trivia, and even playing online gaming apps have proven brain perks. Give your brain some exercise that doesn’t feel like it and relax in the meantime.
Music
You don’t have to actually be a musician to see the brain benefits of it. Just listening to music stimulates your brain in ways that aren’t possible through other listening means. Classical music is great but if it really isn’t your favorite genre, never fear. You can listen to any type of music and your brain will benefit from it.
How are you keeping your brain healthy?
