6 Tips for Good Brain Health KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG
A s we age, our bodies change and so do our inevitable. Though we’re still learning new things about how our brains work, there’s a lot of scientific research that shows how to keep your brain young. We have control over many factors, such as mid-life obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, social isolation, and low education levels. If you want to keep your mind sharp throughout your lifetime, then follow this advice from Harvard Medical School and other experts across the world. 1. Get a good workout. Exercising regularly helps all the muscles and organs in your body, even your brain! A good workout can lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels, which help your brain and your heart. Exercise not only strengthens your heart but can also lower your risk of dementia. It even reduces the level of tau protein in the spinal fluids, which is known to accumulate in Alzhiemer’s patients’ brains. So pick up those sneakers to go for a brisk walk or dance around the house to your favorite tunes. mental functions. Cognitive decline is one of the biggest fears people have about aging, but it’s not 2. Eat well. It may be of no surprise to you that what is good for your heart and overall health is good for your brain. Several studies have found that dementia rates can rise as our waistlines expand. Eating a diet full of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and moderate amounts of whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts, along with moderate exercise, has even improved the cognitive skills of those with early signs of dementia.
3. Mind your sleeping habits. Here is a tricky one. People who sleep for more than nine hours a night have an increased risk of both dementia and Alzheimer’s compared with those who log six to nine hours. And those who experience sleep interruptions have a higher risk of cognitive decline than those who sleep straight through the night. If you are experiencing sleeping problems, then you may want to seek help on how to get the right amount of sleep you need.
4. Start a cognitive fitness program. Studies show that lower levels of education are linked to higher risk of developing dementia. Without continuous stimulation, the brain seems to lose its ability to fire on all cylinders. So how does one keep their brain challenged? You could go back to school to get that degree or certification you always wanted. That’s a great goal to achieve but it does not have to be that formal. Create your own cognitive fitness program that stimulates your mind and fits your lifestyle. It could be a simple as visiting with friends, walking, pursuing a hobby, taking an art class, learning to play an instrument, volunteering, or attending a Bible study. People engaged in these activities are 38% less likely to develop dementia.
5. Pay attention to your mental health. Poor mental health can lead to impaired cognitive function. Chronic anxiety, depression, and exhaustion tend to cause low scores on cognitive function tests. But test scores aren’t necessarily a sign of future cognitive decline, and Harvard Health Publishing urges readers to maintain good mental health and get restful sleep, as they are “certainly important goals” for improving cognitive function and overall well-being. 6. Stay connected. It’s not enough to focus on yourself. In order to maintain your long-term cognitive health, you should also focus on your connections with other people. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.” Make new friends, stay in touch with family members, and maintain positive relationships in your life.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is certainly true when it comes to your brain health. Do what you can today to protect your mental function tomorrow.
WHAT KIND OF PET WOULD YOU BE?
Are you a loyal border collie or a fun- loving ferret? This unique personality quiz
will help you identify your personal strengths and areas of improvement through the lens of your favorite pets!
Question 1: When applying for a job, a prospective employer is most likely to hire me because I am … A. Driven, direct, and possess strong delegation skills. B. Spirited, fun-loving, and a creative problem solver. C. Patient, tactful, and ready to roll with the punches. D. Reliable, accurate, and well-organized.
Question 2: When a good friend is in trouble, my response is to … A. Be empathetic and loyal, regardless of what the situation is. B. Listen to their troubles and be supportive however I can. C. Be optimistic and try to make them laugh. D. Make sure they’re okay and help come up with solutions to their problem.
Question 3: I go to work because … A. It’s a productive way to spend my time. B. It’s a positive way to spend my time. C. Work is how I can afford to play. D. If something is worth doing, then it is worth doing well.
Ready to discover what pet you are? Take the full quiz now at Bit.ly/MyPetPersonality ! Don’t forget to show off your results on our Facebook page. We’d love to see everyone’s pet personality types. Share your results at Facebook.com/DLJ-Tax-Services-LLC.
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