Our brains are like muscles – we must use it or we lose it. It is just as important to exercise our minds to keep it active and healthy, as it is to exercise our bodies. We aren’t much good if we have one but not the other. Studies have shown that as we age, we may lose brain cells, which affects our long term and short term memories. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. By exercising our minds every day, we can live a healthy life well into retirement age. Here are some things you can do to keep your mind active and vibrant.
1) Learn something new: If you never stop learning, you will always keep your mind in working mode. Take a cooking class or learn a new language. Do something you’ve never done before, such as stained glass, pottery, painting or knitting.
2) Eat right: When you eat properly, your mind works with better clarity. You’ll be able to make clear, concise decisions and you won’t have that ‘foggy’ feeling. Be sure to include foods that have essential fatty acids such as fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil.
3) Exercise: When your body is healthy, your mind will also be healthy. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as ‘feel good’ hormones. You will be happier, healthy and have more energy.
4) Lower your stress levels: Stress can play havoc on your memory and your mind. If possible, keep your stress level to a minimum. This might mean avoiding certain people or certain situations.
5) Do some brain teasers: Go to your local dollar store and buy some crossword puzzles, word searches, or Sudoku puzzles. These are great to do with your morning coffee; it gets your brain working first thing and lets you get on with your day.
6) Enjoy a nature walk: Take a walk by the beach or on a nature trail. Really stop and listen to the sounds of nature. Take the time to appreciate your surroundings. This will quiet your mind and allow it to function at a normal pace.
7) Find some quiet time every day: Pray, meditate or even just take a hot bath; find some time each day to get away from everyone and have time to yourself. This may be hard to do at first, but once you carve out some time, you’ll look forward to it.
8) Write it down: Before you go to the store, write down a list of what you need. This way you won’t forget anything, and it clears your mind for other, important things.
9) Play some music: New studies have shown that memory improves when there is soft music playing in the background. Jazz or classical is best suited, not hard rock.
10) Journal: Get into the habit of writing your day down on paper every night. What went right? What can you improve on tomorrow? This will force you to think of solutions to any situation that is bothering you.
Amber Tate enjoys writing about many different topics that help her readers solve a problem in one way or another. For instance, she helped a reader save $250 on insurance for her life policy and there is no feeling better than that.
Loading...
Leave a Reply