Give Your Brain a Daily Workout Too!
By Donna Kostiew
When thinking about your fitness routine, exercise and diet are probably the first two things that come to mind, but did you know that your brain fitness is equally important? The health of your brain is one of the most critical aspects of your overall wellness and quality of life. It is simply too important to ignore, but unfortunately, most people wait until it is too late before they even consider taking care of it. Cognitive decline is not something to look forward to. With a few relatively simple lifestyle changes, you can improve and maintain better brain health.
Tips for Improved Brain Health
Research has shown that there are simple choices we can make on a daily basis to improve or maintain the health of our brain. Here are a few.
- Brain food - A diet with low amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and packed with nutrients and antioxidants will help to promote brain health. Some of these incredible brain protectors are salmon, eggs, leafy greens, berries, avocados, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Physical activity – Being physically active helps promote improved brain health for many reasons. It helps to maintain good blood flow, encourages the growth of new brain cells and connections, improves memory, and reduces stress. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine.
- Mental activity – The saying “use it or lose it” is especially true when it comes to engaging your brain. Intellectual stimulation such as reading, learning, natural curiosity, and even games are all easy and fun ways to exercise your mind. By doing so regularly, you will be able to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Social network – In addition to enhancing your emotional well-being, staying socially engaged with friends and family also helps to enhance your brain health as well. Research has shown that those who have an active social life and deep connections with others tend to experience less memory decline than those who do not. So be intentional; develop interactions with those around you by getting involved with as many social opportunities as you can. These can be found through work, volunteering, local clubs, or simply visiting with friends and family.
It Takes Effort
Our bodies are with us for a long time but we often focus only on the physical aspect of our health. We spend hours working out each week and we commit to eating the right foods no matter how hard it can be. So much effort, yet sadly, not enough for complete overall health. It is critical to remember that your brain needs some effort too for sustained health, and with simple lifestyle choices, it is easy to achieve that.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.