So, I forgot why I walked into a room the other day. I know there was a reason but I still can’t recall what it was! I have officially become my mother – that, and I’m aging 😮
The brain, like many other organs, ages. The aging brain is responsible for a decline in memory, decision-making ability and verbal skills.
Exercise Your Brain
There are many ways that you can delay the aging of your brain:
- Exercise your mind—Challenge your brain daily by making note of last week’s activities, working on crossword puzzles, trying a new hobby or reading more books.
- Exercise your body—Physical exercise reduces depression and other cardiovascular risks. It also produces a euphoric state by releasing endorphins. Enjoy physical activity daily; take the stairs rather than elevator at work, park in the back of the parking lot or take a brisk 10-minute walk during lunch.
- Eat healthy—Like your body, your brain has certain dietary requirements. Proteins and foods high in unsaturated fats help with brain development. Eating foods low in cholesterol and saturated fats, in addition to eating breakfast daily, can jump-start your brain. Also, protect your brain with antioxidant vitamins E and C.
- Focus on safety—Wear protective head gear when enjoying physical activities like riding a bike or snowboarding. Wear a seat belt to protect your head from trauma in case of a car accident.
- Get plenty of sleep—Lack of sleep leads to mental fatigue and loss of memory. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. During sleep, the brain repairs itself, collects the day’s events and files everything into memory.
- Reduce stress—Stress can lead to memory loss. High stress releases cortisol in the brain, which absorbs the brain’s primary food source, glucose. Reduce stress with exercise, meditation or a quiet activity you enjoy.
- Quit smoking and refrain from illegal drug use—Research shows that smoking can lead to mental decline; drugs such as ecstasy and marijuana can result in mental deterioration.
- Listen to music—Research shows that music is good for the brain, specifically baroque music, which can reduce stress.