It’s as important to take care of your brain as well as your body. Here are 10 things that you can do to help keep your mind sharp as you age.
- Exercise
Not only will it benefit your physique it will also help keep your brain healthy.
- Eat right
Many foods, including nuts, fish and red wine, have been linked to a healthy brain. Limit red meat, sweets and overprocessed foods – you will feel and look better.
- Get enough quality sleep
Try to keep regular hours of when you go to bed and when you get up. Make your bedroom an oasis – try to keep out or minimize electronics.
- Paint, draw or doodle
Using your brain for a creative artistic pleasure can be fun and challenging.
- Listen or play music
Listening to music can lift your spirits but singing or playing an instrument is also an excellent way to stretch your brain in a new way.
- Learn something new
Many colleges and senior centers offer engaging, low-cost lectures and classes for older adults. And there are many free webinars and classes that can be viewed online as well.
- Do puzzles
Crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles are just some of the fun ways you can challenge yourself.
- Write
Whether you are finally writing that novel you have been meaning to or in a private journal or a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, writing forces you to process your thoughts in a logical, particular way.
- Socialize
Join a friend or family member for a regular activity such as exercising, going to the movies or other fun pursuit.
- Volunteer
Volunteer at an animal shelter, school, library, hospital or an organization of your choice. Not only will you be helping the organization, you will feel invigorated and full of purpose.
