It is important to maintain brain health in order to maintain quality of life even as we age. The head ages along with the body. A 45-year-old does not have the memory and sensitivity of a 25-year-old. Staying active can slow the decline of your brain power. The British daily Guardian introduced lifestyle habits that keep the brain healthy.
△ diet control
Obesity in middle age is likely to lead to dementia in old age. The most important thing to lose weight is regular exercise and a healthy diet. Avoid chips, biscuits, and processed foods that increase your risk of diabetes, and eat plenty of fish and nuts rich in omega-3 fats. You should also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants.
△ exercise
You don’t have to be an athlete to live a long, healthy life. To prevent dementia, it is enough to take a brisk walk for 20 minutes every day. Exercise stimulates brain cells to produce proteins that allow them to branch and communicate more effectively.
△ stress management
Stress causes the brain’s memory centers to shrink. The stress hormone cortisol even temporarily impairs memory. Meditation or yoga can help you manage your mood and improve your memory. Meditation, in particular, lengthens the telomeres of your chromosomes, which is a marker of longevity. Meeting friends and getting a good night’s sleep also contributes to reducing stress.
△ brain exercise
Playing games, going to meetings, and traveling all energize brain cells. Living on a smartphone or tablet PC is risky, but some games help promote multitasking and problem-solving skills. Online searches also activate neural circuits.
△Social activities
There are people who are naturally sociable, but even if they are not, people cannot live like islands. Even those who prefer a quieter routine should try to stay in touch with those who matter. The brain thrives on social interaction and connection. Experts explain that “relationships and interactions with other people contribute to complex biological factors that can prevent the brain from slowing down.”
Learn, keep the passion
Just as exercise helps build muscle, keeping your brain active helps you maintain strong cognition throughout your life. Consider taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill. The key is to find an interest that you are actually passionate about. It’s never too late to learn something new in life anytime. “Passion, or having a strong interest in something, can be a decisive motivator that drives us to learn new things,” say experts. “Over time, this affects the development and maintenance of neural networks.”
