Our brains are constantly changing, whether it’s chemical or structural. Our brains tend to change when we go through an experience. The experience can be as simple as driving to the gas station or as complicated as losing a loved one. The brain changes whether it goes through daily experience or trauma. People tend to say age can play a factor in keeping your brain refreshed but at the end of the day, no matter how old you are, every brain is so unique and wired differently. It’s your job to keep your brain refreshed!
Exercise Your Brain
Scientists have found that many “mind puzzling” activities can stimulate new connections between nerve cells. This may even help generate brain cells for the future. This is known as “plasticity” in the neuroscience community. Mental exercise such as drawing, math, painting, and music will work wonders!
Physical Exercise
For many years, scientists have been focusing deeply on the study on how physical exercise can help your mind. For example, animals who exercise regularly increase the amount of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the part of the brain that is responsible for thought! Exercise also activates the process of new nerve cells and increases the connections between other brain cells.
Improve Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Improve Blood Pressure and CholesterolHigh blood pressure in older adults increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Change your lifestyle to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and limit your alcohol to 2 drinks a day max! If you are at risk for bad cholesterol diet – exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward improving your cholesterol levels.
Self-Care
In many studies, scientists have found people who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or that have other mental obstacles tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Making sure your mental health and rest comes first is very important for your mind.
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco has much more negatives than just the actual smoke! Did you know, there are 4,500 chemicals in tobacco smoke? These chemicals are unnecessary and bad for your health. Studies have found tobacco smokers have an increased risk of many health issues (Cancer, Dementia and many more). Smoking tobacco can speed up the aging process which results in extra wrinkles, health problems and a shorter lifespan.