Even if you only adopt one of these habits, it will have a dramatic impact on the health of your brain throughout your life: here’s the five fundamentals for brain health.
1. Exercise Regularly
Brisk cardiovascular exercise brings rich, oxygenated blood to the brain. You should get at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise three times a week. Also, do strength training at least twice a week, because muscle development also produces more energy for the brain.
2. Reduce Stress
Stress is a major cause of illness, thanks to the effects of the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can wear down the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory function. Exercise and meditation can help.
3. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is the number one cause of fuzzy, disjointed mental function. Studies show that people who get at least eight hours of sleep each night can avoid some age-related brain decline.
4. Eat Healthy
Glucose spikes and fatty plaque deposits that accompany overeating can damage the brain. A lower-calorie diet promotes better circulation and also controls weight, leading to lower blood pressure.
5. Give Your Brain A Workout
Try to do or learn something new each week, whether writing a letter with the hand you do not usually use, or learning a new language. Challenging the brain with novel tasks and activities creates new neural pathways, making it more versatile, and improves its multitasking ability.
This article is updated from its initial publication in Brain World Magazine’s print edition.
