We often hear about what to do when your health begins to fail, but we rarely hear about what to do to improve or maintain health when you are doing well. This is a very important part of taking care of yourself. You might just think that having a healthy mind is only about genetics, but there are many ways to improve your cognitive health and keep your mind sharp no matter what your age is.
While many people associate cognitive health and development with young children, it shouldn’t stop you from working on these skills as an adult. Cognitive health can help us live longer, more joyful lives. Here are some of the ways you can improve your cognitive health without going to the doctor.
Actively Read
What exactly does it mean to read actively? First of all, actively reading or even watching a TV show means that you are solely concentrating on that. Put your phone down and let go of all your other obligations for the moment. When we actively watch TV or read a book, we are fully engaging in the task, not just doing it half-heartedly. When we make connections with others, whether in real life or on the television, we are developing new connections within the brain. You can also give yourself a bonus by trying to recap or remember what you read or watched.
Puzzles
Some people think puzzles are boring and a waste of time, but they are actually good for your brain. Puzzles are one way to keep your mind sharp. It takes lots of skills and patience to work on a puzzle. They can be physical puzzles or they can be logic puzzles like Sudoku or crossword puzzles. It helps you to recall information that is not in the forefront of your brain. It helps your brain to come up with new connections and helps your boy relax as well.
Use a Growth Mindset
This is a popular movement in all schools right now. Using a growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset has become more popular over the years. A growth mindset is a mind that believes in change and making progress, no matter how small. Previously, a fixed mindset believes that people were born having certain capabilities, and there is no way to change that. In having a growth mindset, you can learn to do new things, helping your mind to grow.
Exercise
Exercising is so good for you. Whether it is a 20-minute walk a day or a couple mile run, exercise is great for the brain. While exercising, oxygen levels are increased to the brain. This can help with your brain function. Having more oxygen in the brain can help the whole body to stay healthier. It is best to get regular exercise over extreme exercise. That means go ahead and do aerobics and stretching. Even though this might not seem like a lot, it can have an impact on your brain health if you do it every day. Switch up your routine to stay interested and lastly, make it into a habit to fit your lifestyle for best results.
Manage Anxiety and Stress
You might not realize it, but having chronic anxiety and stress can do a number on your brain health. Working to reduce the anxiety and stress in your life can do wonders for your cognitive function. Meditate, do yoga, or find ways to positively release negative energy in your life. Not taking care of these things can cause your cognitive function to decline. It can cause memory loss and difficulty retaining new information. In addition, it can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life.
Smart Drugs
Smart Drugs are also known as nootropics. These supplements are well-researched and offer cognitive enhancement for people who are healthy. There are 5 different kinds of Nootropics that are available and have little to no side effects except for the possibility of an upset stomach. These smart drugs act similarly to other supplements such as GABA, fish oils, and blueberries that are packed with goodness for your brain. They can help with brain functions such as organization, planning, memory, and concentration.
Change Your Diet
Believe it or not, if your brain is feeling foggy or you are often forgetting things, it could be due to a poor diet. By eating foods that are packed with good nutrients, you can help your focus and memory. Get rid of processed foods and even gluten and dairy. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables, fish oils, and plenty of nuts. By introducing your body to a more balanced, plant-based diet, you can do wonders for your brain health and function. Be sure to eat properly. Some people find it helpful to eat small meals multiple times per day to avoid hunger and headaches.
A Good Night’s Sleep
This might be surprising to hear that sleep can help with cognitive function, but it is true! During sleep, our bodies get rested and restored. Getting a good night’s sleep can help to improve mood, lower stress, and even help to clear out your brain so that it can function better when you are awake. One way to improve the quality of your sleep is to abstain from electronics at least 2 hours prior to bed. Work on getting into a relaxing routine. You can do yoga, drink tea, or meditate to get ready for bed.
There are so many healthy habits you can get into when it comes to taking care of your body and your brain. It is important to get into a routine that you know works for your body. By making these positive changes, you can improve your brain function. This will help you to feel better, perform better at work or school, and help you to maintain a happy and healthy life. Our brains do lots of work for us, so it is important to take care of them.