You’ve heard a lot about how brain function declines as you age. But science is finding that aging doesn’t have to dull your ability to think for yourself.
In fact, studies are showing that you can get smarter in your later years!
Chi For Yourself is big on the mind/body connection. And the following article offers some gentle reminders to help you keep that connection intact.
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ARTICLE:
Your brain is central to your thoughts and memories. Same goes for your behavior, judgment, reasoning, mood, and so much more.
So it’s critical that you do all that you can to slow down its aging process.
Here’s a look at some ways to help you do that.:
1. Don’t smoke –
There are so many reasons not to smoke. Another one to add to the list is the negative effects it has on your brain.
Smoking increases the development of atherosclerosis. That’s a big word for plaque buildup in your blood vessels, including those in your brain.
This plaque buildup then reduces the amount of oxygen getting to your brain cells.
2. Exercise your brain –
As an adult, you’ve learned how to create routines and methods of remembering things. But, you can get stuck in a rut of using your mind in the same way that requires little effort.
Your brain is made of many different neural pathways. and when you don’t change things a bit, your brain isn’t given the opportunity to exercise itself.
Your brain is amazing in that it can create new neural pathways, and adapt as you stimulate it. Stimulation of the adult brain builds and strengthens these pathways.
Ways to do this include learning new things.
For example, you want to build a website but you don’t know how. As you learn to do this you challenge your brain.
If you’re into music you can learn a new song. If music doesn’t do it for you think about learning a new language.
Most anything that will stretch your mind is a great way to exercise it. You can even take a different route home from work.
This will force you to use your mind as you plan which street to take next.
3. Eat a healthy diet –
Limit saturated fats and trans fats in your diet. Also be sure to cut down and limit your consumption of sugar.
Consuming quality calories can help keep your weight in check.
Studies show that cutting calories can slow your brain’s aging over the years.
Be sure to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables of all colors.
They’re full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Free radicals are responsible for cell aging.
Vitamins like B6 and B12, along with folic acid, are real standouts. They go a long way toward stalling age-related brain disease.
4. Exercise your body –
When you exercise, you increase blood flow throughout your body and your brain.
Try exercises that test coordination and concentration. Things like martial arts, aerobics or dance classes.
5. Visit your doctor and optometrist –
High blood pressure can affect brain health. It’s a condition that can lead to mini strokes and cognitive decline.
Both your doctor and optometrist can detect the potential for problems early on.
JohnK 8-8-2018
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Overheard: I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.
~Arthur Conan Doyle
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