As we grow older, our bodies will change, and so will all of our functions. From physical to cognitive functions, there’s plenty you can do to make your body work for you, by engaging in various activities. That way, you will prevent your brain functions from deteriorating. Brain cells don’t regenerate, so you’ll need to make a lot of effort to keep your brain young, even when you’re in your 50s or 60s. Need more help with that? Here are some of the best tips to keep your brain sharp at any age.
Never stop challenging your brain
One of the crucial things to remember when you realize you need to make your bran sharper is that you cannot let it become lazy. During high school and college, your brain was often doing double time, and you felt like you could tackle any intellectual task. That’s because your brain was constantly engaged in learning. Now that the years of education are over, you’ll need new activities to stimulate brain function. Puzzles are an excellent form of brain stimulation that will challenge your brain in the best way. Memory games are perfect for cognitive training, as research found out. Some turn to strategy games such as checkers or chess. You can visit this page to find out more about the best chess opening moves and ideas.
Watch your diet
The food that you eat highly affects your brain function. That’s why you should consider regulating your diet by enriching it with antioxidative fruits, nuts, spices, and whole grains. Blueberries, raisins, prunes, strawberries, raspberries, and plums are just some of the antioxidant-rich fruits that your brain will benefit from. Cheese is also very good for your brain, alongside lamb and oily fish. The conjugated linoleic acid found in cheddar, brie, and Swiss cheese is closely connected to the regulation of fat, weight loss, and anti-inflammation, all of which are good for your brain function.
Keep moving
Physical activity is essential for your overall health, but it’s even more important for brain activity. Engaging in aerobic exercises will keep your heart rate up and blood pumping, keeping your brain in check too. Fit people are more likely to have sharper brains, so don’t wait for another second but start your fitness journey. You can also have a focus-improving nootropic drink with you to help you hydrate, energize and concentrate on what you’re doing. Nootropic drinks contain Huperzine A, a supplement that improves memory and learning while also slowing cognitive decline. Mix weight training with aerobics for the best results.
Always learn something new
Did you know that even your brain needs to be constantly stimulated in order to stay sharp? Therefore, look for new hobbies and activities that will include plenty of thinking. Have you ever considered playing ping pong? Why don’t you spark your curiosity a little? Start wondering how something is manufactured. Learn more about cultures, history, and anything that you never managed to learn while you were young and curious about everything. Awaken the child in you and start exploring the world again.
Find good fiction to read
Books are some of the best teachers and even better brain stimulants. Reading engages your brain, letting your mind wander, and your imagination thrive. The more you read, the more you’ll exercise your brain functions. According to research, reading can rewire your brain and strengthen your reading abilities. If you’re bi-lingual, make sure you spend the same amount of time reading books in both languages. Learning a new language can be as stimulating as reading a book. Even more so.
Filter stressing situations
Traumatic stress can be detrimental to our well-being. Furthermore, it can have negative side effects on your memory and learning abilities. Namely, the hippocampus can be severely debilitated by chronic stress. That means that the primary place of memory formation will be affected and, with it, your cognitive abilities in the future. That’s why it’s essential to keep stress at bay and find activities that will allow you to destress whenever possible. Meditation and yoga are two great activities to help you find your focus and filter stress.
Give your brain a break
Just like you need to take a break to rest from physical activities, your brain needs to rest from all the thinking. So, make sure you find time to relax and unwind. Naps can be very efficient in helping you rest your brain. Sleep is essential for improving your brain function and helping you stay sharp even in your senior years. Therefore, whenever you feel tired, let your body and brain recharge. They deserve it, and so do you.
Training your brain is the best way to keep it working well and fast. That’s why you’ll need to make sure your brain is always in training. However, don’t forget to rest and destress whenever possible, to offer your brain the optimal environment to thrive. Find an outlet that helps you relieve stress, look for new ways to stimulate your cognitive function, and your brain will stay sharp for a long time.