Tips to Maintain Brain Health
Growing evidence shows that key lifestyle changes can help people reduce risk of cognitive decline.
Adopting a combination of healthy behaviors, which have also been shown to reduce cancer, diabetes and heart disease, will help you achieve maximum benefits for both your brain and body. And the good news is, it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits.
Tips for Maintaining Brain Health
Start adopting these 8 strategies today to protect your brain health now and in the future.
Exercise
Break a sweat and engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates the heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have linked regular physical activity with a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Quit Smoking
Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
Keep a Healthy Heart
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking, yet a third of American adults report regularly getting less sleep than the recommended 7-8 hours.
Stay Socially Engaged
Social and intellectual engagement is important to brain health. Pursuing interesting and meaningful social activities will help you keep connections with others and within your local community. Volunteer at a local church or animal shelter or just share the activities you enjoy with friends and family
Continue Learning and Welcome Challenges
Challenging and activating the mind by doing puzzles, building furniture or playing games are good ways to encourage strategic thinking. Taking an online class or learning a new language will also help keep your mind sharp.
Don't Forget Mental Health
Some studies also link depression with increased risk of cognitive decline. Managing stress and seeking medical attention for any symptoms of depression, anxiety or any other mental health concerns will also help optimize brain health.