Favorite Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

 

 

Favorite Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Hey, Brain! Try this out.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll, nearly all Americans (89%) would like to improve some aspect of their brain performance. But what many may not realize is, they actually can! The human brain has the power to change over the course of a person’s life and there are simple, yet fun things all of us can do now – at any age – to support brain health.

Learn New Things to Keep Your Brain Active

They say the most successful people in this world are lifelong learners, and one of the most effective brain workouts occurs through learning. Tackling a new skill can be an effective and exciting way to keep your brain sharp.[1] Here are some ideas:

• Learn a few new dance moves – waltz, swing, polka
• Attempt a basic home repair
• Try to juggle
• Try writing calligraphy
• Learn basic sign language
• Learn common phrases in a new language
• Learn to play an instrument

Take a Break from Technology to Rest Your Brain

While learning new things is great, it’s not the only way to get your brain the exercise it needs. In this day and age, it’s easy to feel connected to and reliant on technology, but putting down your device may force you to kickstart a brain workout.[2] Here is a list of activities that elicit mental stimulation and offer a change of pace from scrolling through social media:

• Write a joke
• Decorate a cake
• Make someone a DIY gift
• Plant fresh herbs for a kitchen garden
• Make up a song or jingle
• Try your hand at a magic trick
• Borrow books from a local library
• Look up your family ancestry
• Invent a new recipe
• Tie a bow tie or knots

Mindful Exercises to Maintain Brain Power

Just like it’s important to give your brain a break from technology, it’s also important to consider mindfulness and self-care in conjunction with brain health.[3] Try to take some time out each day just for you with these low-stress ways to work out your brain:

• Use a coloring book
• Meditate
• Keep a journal
• Read a classic novel
• Scrapbook
• Solve a Rubik’s cube (or at least try to!)

Find Connection and Stimulate Your Mind

Taking time for yourself should always be a top priority, but socialization is also important to brain health.[4] So grab a buddy and give one of these activities a try:

• Visit a museum
• Try a new fitness class
• Take a cooking class
• Stroll the streets of a new neighborhood
• Plan a picnic
• Start a book club
• Stargaze and identify constellations

Exercising the brain is essential to a brain-healthy life. Whether you’re learning the polka, decorating a cake, taking time to meditate or exploring a new neighborhood, your brain is up for the challenge. You may find out you have two left feet or no sense of direction, but no matter what, your brain will thank you.

References:

[1] Fernstorm, M., PhD. (June 13). Dr. Fernstrom: 7 ways women can boost their brainpower. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/know-your-value/feature/dr-fernstrom-7-ways-women-can-boost-their-brainpower-ncna1017231

[2] Fragopoulou, A. F., et. Al (2012, January 20). Brain proteome response following whole body exposure of mice to mobile phone or wireless DECT base radiation. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/15368378.2011.631068

[3] Alban, D. (2019, June 28). 72 Amazing Human Brain Facts (Based on the Latest Science). Retrieved from https://bebrainfit.com/human-brain-facts/

[4] Ives, J. (2019, June 29). New study links low social engagement to amyloid levels and cognitive decline. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190629/New-study-links-low-social-engagement-to-amyloid-levels-and-cognitive-decline.aspx