It’s important to maintain our physical, mental and spiritual health as we age. But what about our brains? If you have family members or friends who suffer from serious cognitive diseases, you may be researching ways to reduce your risk of experiencing these as well. Fortunately, more research is being compiled on how to improve your cognitive health. In this article, we define optimal brain health as well as essential tips for keeping your brain healthy.
What Is Brain Health?
The CDC defines a healthy brain as one that “performs all the mental processes such as cognition, the ability to learn new things, intuition, judgment, language, and remembering.”
No matter our age, the brain should function at a prime level in order to live a happy, healthy life.
Tips For Boosting Brain Health
The following tips will help you create a healthier routine to improve your brain’s functionality.
However, whether you live alone, near family or are planning to move into a senior living community, you can utilize these tips to improve your cognitive health.
1. Exercise at Least 30 Minutes a Day
Regular exercise strengthens your muscles and improves your heart health. It also has significant benefits for your brain. Harvard Health Publishing (HHP) reports “physical activity promotes the growth of new blood vessels in the brain,” which in turn can improve one’s memory skills. Engage in a physical activity for at least 30-60 minutes a day. Walk your dog, take a yoga class or join a local running club.
2. Get 8 (Or More) Hours Of Sleep
Obtaining the appropriate amount of sleep is vital to getting your brain to relax and regenerate. Studies show “older adults with memory impairment issues were linked to reduced time of deep sleep.” Eight or nine hours will allow your brain to go through light sleep, deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM). These sleep cycles are important for your brain’s regeneration.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you put in your body significantly affects your physical health. Adding at least five fruits and vegetables to your diet will give your brain necessary nutrients. Reducing the amount of processed sugar in your diet will also help improve your brain’s health.
Doctors are beginning to recommend that adults eat a Mediterranean diet to improve overall health. This diet emphasizes eating more natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes.
If you go out to eat, try ordering healthier appetizers such as salads to keep you full, which also makes it less likely you will order unhealthy food.
4. Be Socially And Mentally Active
Spending time with friends is good for your heart, soul and brain. Research shows socializing with friends and having a confidante in your life can reduce memory loss symptoms related to Alzehmier’sand other forms of dementia.
Similar to being socially active, it’s important to be mentally active too. Crosswords and Sudoku are familiar go-tos for stimulating your brain. You can also do jigsaw puzzles, play cards or use a brain training app such as Luminosity. These activities are easy to fit in for five to 10 minutes during your day. Encourage friends to join you to make it more fun.
Utilize these tips to create a more balanced life. Strive to be social, physically fit, eat healthy and of course have plenty of time for fun and relaxation.
Live A Stimulating Life At Claridge Court
At Claridge Court, our mission is to create a fulfilling, fun and stimulating life for our residents. From fitness classes, made-to-order healthy meals, social clubs and events, you will have many opportunities to enhance your daily routine with healthy habits. Interested in learning more?
Contact us to schedule a tour to experience the Claridge Court lifestyle.
