Brain fitness is defined as a state in which it remains possible to remain cognizant of the world around you and process new information. While the body may lose some of its ability in terms of mobility and strength, it’s not a given that the mind has to decline. There are many ways for seniors to reduce the risk of memory and other issues, thus ensuring that brain fitness Brentwood TN remains strong for all of their lives. Here are some examples of what can help.
Remaining as Physically Active as Possible
There’s a close connection between the brain and the condition of the body. Keeping physically active can do wonders for both the way your mind works and for keeping certain aches and pains at bay. Even with those who have some degree of diminished physical capacity, opting to exercise and otherwise be as physically active as possible will have a positive impact.
Those with good mobility should make it a point to walk at least a half-hour each day. Even when the legs aren’t as reliable, opting to do things like lift weights, water aerobics, and other forms of exercise help to work muscle groups. At the same time, the physical activity is helping to stimulate the brain in a good way. The release of endorphins and the enhancement in mood are two benefits that are enjoyed along with helping to keep the brain healthier.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Nutrition is another element that has an impact on the mind as well as the body. What’s in the foods we eat influences whether or not we take in the vitamins and minerals that are needed to keep us as healthy as possible. While much of the focus is on what nutrition does for our bodies, the fact is that our brains need nutrients too.
A lack of certain nutrients negatively impacts the brain’s ability to process new information, recall stored data, and in general to relate to the world. By making sure the nutritional intake remains within healthy ranges, the odds of enjoying excellent cognitive ability for more years is maintained. That will go a long way toward enjoying a higher standard of living.
Making Use of Daily Meditation
Meditation is an activity that often involves centering the mind and providing a respite from worry. It can calm the nerves, which also has a positive effect on the brain and body. Even as little as fifteen minutes of meditation a day can aid in counteracting the effects of too much stress.
Those who have never formally meditated may be surprised that much of what they have done in the past is actually meditation. With the aid of a professional, it’s possible to channel that experience into more intentional action, ensuring that you get to enjoy the full benefits of this particular practice.
Reading on a Regular Basis
It’s not hard to find studies indicating that reading a little each day helps to keep the brain healthy. Whether the reading has to do with some type of fun novel or has to do with science, history, or the arts, the effect is the same. Your brain is exposed to new information that can be assimilated into what you already know. That in turn provides the mental stimulation needed to remain sharp.
For those with less visual acuity, there are still ways to enjoy the benefits of reading. Audio books are a prime example. They can provide the stimulation, exposure to new information, and entertainment that comes from being able to ready words on a page or screen. Making this part of your daily routine will certainly produce positive effects for your brain.
Keeping a Journal
There are many reasons for keeping journals. Some use this method as a way of preparing their life history in a way that future generations can understand more about their lives. Others use journals as a way to make sense of situations they face by writing it all down. Still others like the idea of being able to look back and see how they thought about things when they were at certain ages.
In any case, choosing to keep a journal can be a great way to maintain brain fitness Brentwood TN. The act of composing entries requires organizing thoughts and choosing the best words to convey sentiments. It’s not unusual for people to feel mentally refreshed after they make entries.
Socializing on a Regular Basis
People are by nature socially inclined. Even those who enjoy spending most of their time alone will occasionally feel the need for interaction. That’s something to keep in mind when the goal is to keep the mind and brain in top shape.
Choosing to socialize on a regular basis provides stimulation to the brain through conversation or being involved in some sort of activity with other people. The chemical reactions help to keep the brain sharper and allow individuals to enjoy life a little more. Even those who consider themselves introverts will benefit from short periods of interacting with others in some sort of casual and unforced manner.
Making It a Point to Learn Something New Every Day
Another approach that may help with brain fitness is to intentionally learn one new thing each day. It may be in the form of learning a new word, including how to use it in conversation. Perhaps it can be learning a new fact, however obscure that fact happens to be. In all cases, you encounter new information that the brain can add to what you already know.
The point is to learn something new on a regular basis. Set aside time in the morning or the evening to pursue one new fact. This can be a fun exercise as well as one that provides more stimulation for your mind.
As with physical well being, there are no guarantees that mental capacity will always remain high for the entirely of life. Fortunately, choosing to engage in habits that help the brain as well as the body will go a long way toward increasing the odds of remaining mentally alert and aware. Talk with a doctor and learn more about what else can be done to protect your brain and continue to enjoy all that life has to offer.
