Maintaining healthy brain power
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Work out those brain cells. What are you talking about you might ask, how can I work out my brain cells? Contrary to what some may believe, it is possible to work on maintaining healthy brain power. When people hear the word “workout” they automatically think exercising, physically having to go work out. Well when it comes to your brain, there doesn’t have to be a whole lot of physical activity to keep it healthy. Recent studies have shown ways to keep your brain healthy.
According to a neurology professor at Harvard, combining activities that benefit the body and soul can reduce the potential of memory loss. There are four exercises that are suggested to keep your brain going.
1. Physical Exercise. Now I know what you’re thinking, I said no physical activity needed. However, health experts have discovered that aerobic exercise is one of the best brain builders. That means you can go to your favorite dance class, walk around your neighborhood or even find a fun aerobics class, not too bad right! This is about the only physical activity you would need to do.
2. Healthy Diet. We all know that old saying, “you are what you eat.” Well that holds some truth to it. It is noted that having a healthy diet impacts your functioning brain cells. Meaning, if you’re always eating junk foods, sugar, soda, chips, then you’re essentially lending a hand to your diminishing brain cells. It is recommended to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains. When cooking, try using moderate amounts of olive oil instead of regular oil, cut down on the intake of red meats, unsaturated fats are good, as well as cheese, yogurt and even a glass wine. Not that bad of a list, seems pretty achievable, especially if these foods are going to help keep the brain healthy.
3. Social connections. This one is merely you engaging in conversation. In a world where social media has taken over, I don’t find that hard to maintain. Try giving the computer or your cell phone a break and take a walk to the park and try to engage in a face to face social conversation. Experts say keeping social connections with others is more influential to the brain than the size of the social network. Keep that in mind!
4. Stimulate Your Mind. Get your brain pumping with something new. Learn to play an instrument or learn a new language. There are several “brain-training” games that have been created just for this purpose. To get you to think. The next time you pick up a word cross puzzle book or decide to learn something new, just think of it as an exercise for your brain minus the grimey sweat.
Your brain is an essential part of your body, so maintaining its health is just as important as getting your summer time abs. The good thing about working out your brain, is that it doesn’t require much but thinking!
The Kimmy Nicole
