“Brain Workouts” can boost your memory and your thinking skills. There are different ways that you can stimulate the most important muscle in your body.
“Workout” Your Brain For A Healthier Mind
Get Physical For Mental Health
The mind and body are intertwined and what affects the body affects the brain. Daily exercise, including taking a short stroll, goes a long way toward strengthening your memory and cognitive skills.
Taking a walk sends pressure waves through your foot to the arteries, increasing blood flow and resulting in a healthier mind. Try adding any of these physical activities to your regular or weekly routine to increase blood flow to your brain:
- Tennis
- Walking your dog
- Tai chi
- Water aerobics
Read For A Healthy Mind
From relieving stress to improving brain function to increasing empathy, books are capable of doing a lot more than just entertaining the people who enjoy them. In fact, reading is the best workout for your brain, and it can even improve your memory. Sure, unwinding with Netflix at the end of every day is relaxing and all, but regularly reading is good for your mind, body, and soul. Regular reading and writing in late life reduced the rate of memory decline by 32%.
Here are ideas to get reading more often:
- Join or start a book club
- Subscribe to a magazine or newspaper.
- Set aside a time of day for reading.
- Read only what you like
Healthy Eating Grind
You may know that nuts, fish, and red wine have been linked to a healthy brain. For an extra brain boost, try including these foods in your diet:
Posture is Important
Maintaining an upright posture improves circulation and blood flow to the brain. Here are three ways to make yours better:
Spine alignment: Sleeping on your back or side has less impact on your spine. Sleeping on your back keeps your body centered over your spine. Sleeping on your side with your head in a neutral position and your chin straight ahead is the best.
Improve your balance: Staying balanced reduces the risk of falls and benefits the spine. Try online or in-person yoga for beginner’s classes to improve balance.
Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying extra weight adds stress to your muscles and makes it more difficult to maintain proper posture.
Stay Stimulated Mentally
Studies demonstrate that card games, puzzles, and board games are good mental stimuli and help promote brain health. This is especially true for older adults. Games also stimulate the immune system and can trigger the use of visualization, memory and sequencing skills.
Many games also involve socialization and verbal interaction. We know that games can also help mitigate boredom and depression, both of which can cause cognitive decline. They can be fun activities that involve family and friends. This social dynamic also helps keep the brain active and engaged.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional wellbeing. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.
