Our brains change as we age. They get smaller. They slow down. If you want to help keep your brain up to speed, try these nine tips to help protect your brain.
- Keep trying new things. Your brain LOVES novelty. New experiences stimulate the production of dopamine, a chemical your brain uses in learning and memory. Doing new things can help build up brain mass (counteract that shrinkage) and increase processing speed (combat that slowing down). If your life lacks novelty, the dopamine producing areas of your brain can shrink.
- Practice a skill or hobby. Playing an instrument, solving crossword puzzles, and other challenging tasks can help give your brain a break from your normal way of thinking.
- Make it easy to remember. Keep your essentials in the same spot, every time. If your purse, keys, and cell phone are ALWAYS on the table by the door, you don’t have to worry about losing them — causing you (and sometimes your family) stress.
- Try yoga or another meditative exercise. This gives your mind a chance to clear away distractions and be in the moment. Not only will it help relieve stress, yoga and other practices can help you learn to focus and boost memory. Meditation can slow down the loss of brain volume.
- Get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep can help your brain bring bits of information together — which means you can wake up knowing the answer to a problem you had yesterday.
- Eat an apple. Apples contain healthy antioxidants that can raise levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine — a chemical used in memory.
- Make sure your diet include omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats can help protect your brain against the cell damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Stay physically active. Exercise produces a protein that helps existing neurons survive and encourages the growth of new ones. Moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise is best for encouraging these proteins.
- Be physically affectionate. Your brain actually grows in response to physical contact like hugs and hand holding. And the social contact is good for you too — regular socializing reduces the stress hormone cortisol.