In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. It’s easy to skip meals, ignore your health and forget to take care of yourself. If you’re looking for ways to improve brain health, there are many simple things you can do that will help keep your mind sharp.
Brain health is not just about memory, but also about keeping your mind sharp. It’s important to remember that your brain is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Here are some ways to improve brain health:
- Stay mentally active. The more you exercise your brain, the better it will function. If you’re retired or unemployed and don’t have enough to do, consider taking up a hobby or volunteering in your community.
- Eat healthy foods. A balanced diet is essential for every aspect of good health, including brain health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources such as fish and chicken. Avoid high-fat foods like red meat and cheese products; they can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes — all conditions that can affect the brain as well as other parts of the body.
- Get physical activity. Physical activity increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain cells where oxygen helps release energy from glucose (blood sugar). Exercise also helps improve focus by stimulating key neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain responsible for memory functions such as attention span and concentration. Choose an activity you enjoy such as walking or swimming so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
- Stay socially active. Humans are social creatures so being part of a community can help prevent loneliness-related stressors that may affect overall well-being. Socializing also promotes better sleep quality due to improved sleep hygiene habits such as avoiding caffeine at night or eating heavy meals before bedtime.
