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Adopting healthy habits for an enjoyable life
As you age, it is important to keep your brain sharp and focused. According to Dr. Culler, founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC., brain health is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent genetics. Furthermore, she encourages people to think about brain fitness the same way they think about physical exercise. That means giving your brain a 15-to-20-minute daily workout, adding up to at least two hours a week. Here are some useful tips and fun exercises!
First and foremost, you should get your game on. Playing games, whether it is chess, puzzles or computer games, may help your brain to stay engaged. Research on the actual benefits of cognitive games is mixed. However, one study shows participants may improve at a mind-stimulating activity, such as crosswords, even if those gaming skills do not transfer to other brain health, like attention to problem-solving. That doesn’t negate the value added by gaming. Rather, you can have a healthier, happier life by participating in games and activities you enjoy. Therefore, regardless of if it actually helps brain health, you are adding enjoyment to your life.
Another useful tip is to engage in reading. Reading challenges your brain and allows you to mix up your habits. Dr. Culler suggests reading a different section of the newspaper than you usually would or reading a new magazine. Furthermore, reading certain passages out loud actually stimulate different parts of the brain, allowing you to maximize the health you are adding. Then, share the information you recently obtained with friends. In doing so, you will be more mindful and process the information differently.
Another useful method to help your brain health is engaging in meditation. Clearing your mind can be good for your brain as well. In fact, meditation is one of the best workouts for your brain. Various studies have confirmed this idea, and have found that mediation has numerous benefits for your brain. Dr. Culler recommends starting with a few minutes of meditation a day and working up to 20 minutes or longer.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America encourage people to adopt healthy habits to help improve brain health. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, just as eating foods that are “heart healthy” are generally also “brain healthy.” Furthermore, consistent sleep and mixing up your routine can promote stronger brain functionality over a longer period of time.
