Tips to Keep Your brain Sharp and Young at Any Age

Imagine your life after 40s, you forget where your belongings are, confuse with phone numbers and addresses, cannot indulge in serious decisions due to impaired judgment, no more recognize old friends.

Frustrating isn’t it?

Brainpower decreases with age – is not a fact but a myth. Cognitive skills can decline at any age and is scientifically proven.

There are various neurological illnesses that can cause significant memory loss at a young age. Health conditions like diabetes, stress, and depression can also damage mental functioning exceedingly early.

How actually brain works is unclear! But, thanks to decades of researches and experiments on how to keep the brain active and preserve memory.

 Here are the best evidence-based strategies for you to keep your brain sharp and young at any age

1

         1. Play with pets

Do you know that pets help in normalizing the brain chemistry? Yes, you read it right!

South African researchers showed that spending time with dogs and cats increases the level of beta-endorphins in the human brain. This neurochemical is a natural pain killer released in our body. Petting dog’s double dopamine and serotonin. These hormone makes us feel good and relieve stress and depression.

There is a feedback system that neurochemically, psychologically and behaviorally sets up between you and your pet. We take antidepressants and feel good just because they elevate the level of these neurotransmitters. But pets do that just for free.

Why waste money over antidepressants? Get a furry friend and your brain will never fall short of healthy brain chemicals.

2. Eat Mediterranean diet

Eating a Mediterranean diet improves longevity, memory, cognition function and brain volume. This type of diet comprises green vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts,  legumes, fruits, unsaturated oils, moderate intake of alcohol, and plant source of proteins.

Research shows that the Mediterranean diet promotes healthy aging, and reduces the risk of certain cancers, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and depressive symptoms in older age. These results are based on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures in young and older adults.

Do you want to age-proof your brain? Then savor Mediterranean diet, a simple, cost-effective solution!

3. Exercise

According to Michelle Ploughman, the clinical research scientist “exercise is brain food.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHY0FxzoKZE#action=share

Research supports that daily exercise whether mild or intense protects the brain and heart. Even brisk walking for 30 minutes can lift your spirits. Physical exercises enhance memory, creativity, concentration and help in speedy thinking.

Regular exercises can beat stress, anxiety and long-term depression according to the American Psychological Association. It can also improve the connection between brain cells and develop new nerve cells. As a result, you can keep your brain sharp, efficient and adaptive even when aging.

4. . Stay organized

If you want to avoid forgetfulness (like unable to recall where you kept your car keys or spectacles) at your old age, then you must stay organized.

The best way is to take advantage of planners, to-do lists, calendars, shopping lists, address books, and file folders. Why not keep your information accessible? It’ll help you better concentrate on learning and remembering important matters. You can make your life easier by designating a place at home for your keys, diaries, glasses and other items you use often. An organized lifestyle boosts brainpower and productivity.

              Clear the clutter!