7 Tips For Keeping Your Brain Sharp

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As you get older, it is necessary to take certain steps to make sure your brain is functioning properly. Your likelihood of developing serious disorders such as Alzheimer’s increases, and your memory is likely to begin to falter. This can be an alarming change for many people, but it is often preventable. Below, you will read some tips for how to keep your brain as sharp as ever.

SEE ALSO: 5 Easy Ways To Up-Level Your Wellness

Brain-training games

There are some apps that are designed to help keep your brain in tip-top shape by gamifying certain regular functions. These games, often used in treatment for brain injury, can increase your memory, reflexes, and general cognitive ability. If you aren’t a fan of technology, there are several of these games that can be played without the use of a smartphone. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and sudoku are all activities that can be done with a pen and paper to help aid in brain functionality.

Diet

There are several foods that have been shown to have a link to improving your brain function. A Mediterranean diet, or a diet that is more plant and fish-based rather than containing large amounts of red meat and salt, can help improve brain function and prevent Alzheimers. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, caffeine, and antioxidants are great options for brain functionality. Additionally, foods like berries, oranges, and eggs all contain different components that can help with mental upkeep.

Sleep

The way you sleep can have an incredible impact on the way your brain functions. When we are sleeping, our brain is still working hard to perform maintenance. If we do not give the brain time to perform these “repairs”, it can have damaging, sometimes long-term effects on our cognitive abilities. It is important to get 7-8 hours of consecutive sleep per night in order to maintain a healthy brain.

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Exercise

In addition to mental exercise, physical activity can help keep your mind sharp. Those who participate in regular exercise have been shown to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimers. This may be because of increased blood flow to your brain, or potentially the re-ignition of certain connections in your nerves that diminish over time as you become less active. 30-60 minutes of exercise is ideal. Remember that exercise does not have to be heavy cardio or a contact sport. It can be as simple as walking around the block or doing some stretches in your living room.

Social

Humans are social creatures. Connecting with those you love and enjoy spending time with is an important way to improve your brain function. When you don’t get enough meaningful interaction with others, it can cause your brain to lose functionality. By engaging in regular social interactions, this will strengthen your brain in addition to helping you avoid conditions such as depression, which can cause varying degrees of memory loss.

Emotional

Emotions play a large part in the way your brain functions. Conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and ADHD can all change the way you think. It is important to seek treatment and psychiatric care if you are experiencing psychological disorders in order to prevent long-term cognitive impairment. Options such as individual and group therapy, medication, inpatient and outpatient care are available for those who may need it.

Safety

Injuries such as concussions or TBI can impact our mental capacity in a monumental way. This makes it extremely important to take precautions such as wearing a helmet and using a seatbelt. These behaviors can help ensure that head injuries are minimal when they do happen. Mental atrophy is something that you should take seriously, and it is something that is all too common among aging individuals. Don’t neglect your mind. Follow these steps to maintain healthy mental functionality. If you have concerns about memory loss or cognitive function, talk to your doctor about what treatment options might be available for your situation.