Boosting Cognitive Health: Fun Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp!”
Intellectual health is one of the 9 pillars and as I always say, all 9 pillars overlap. This means that your cognitive health is important to your overall health and well-being. Like many other things, use it or lose it applies to our brain health. Using our brain is fun! Being intentional about it is not hard and this week’s blog is going to talk about some fun ways to sharpen our brain health!
First, let’s define what we’re talking about. Cognitive health refers to the ability to think, learn, and remember clearly, which is essential for everyday functioning and overall well-being. It’s not just about avoiding mental decline as we age, but about staying mentally sharp, creative, and engaged throughout life.
Cognitive health affects our problem-solving skills, decision-making, and even emotional balance. Prioritizing it through brain-boosting activities, proper nutrition, social connections, and self-care can enhance quality of life at any age and protect against memory loss or cognitive impairment. In fact, if you already have some cognitive decline, do not despair! These tips are for you! The brain can create new pathways called neuroplasticity. It does require consistency and intentionality but it’s fun!
Social Connection
Last week I talked about the power of social connection and the challenge of our digital world. This week’s message partially overlaps because having meaningful relationships and being socially connected to friends and family is excellent for brain health! Even playing with a small child on their level can include creativity without judgment. Plus, spending this time builds a relationship with the little one.
You can also join adult groups for any activity of your choosing. Perhaps a book club would be fun! Reading is excellent for our brains and discussing what we read with a group is a fun double bonus. Sports groups or even online groups for discussion are other possibilities.
Digital Detox for Mental Sharpness
I talked about the digital world last week but it in the context of building community. This week it comes up again in the context of boosting cognitive health! Scrolling social media can be fun and entertaining but do you do it for hours? Does it consume time that could be better used for more fruitful opportunities? I think we are all guilty of getting sucked into that vortex but again, with some intentionality, we can break free! When we take a break from the screen we can refresh and focus our mind on real life. Our life and those of others who are important to us, doing more meaningful things. I challenge you to take a screen break and digital detox for a weekend and see how it impacts your mental clarity.
Fun Brain-Boosting Activities
You’ve probably seen lists like this before but it so important that it’s worth repeating. First, find something you like and is fun for you. We are all different. Find something that is easy to stick to for you.
Some games for mental agility include puzzles, sudoku, chess and brain-training apps. Perhaps a creative hobby is more appealing to you. Things like painting, writing, or learning an instrument to challenge the brain. Even learning a new language or perhaps learning how to do something you’ve never done before. New skills are fun too! You could take a course or attend a workshop. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook a certain ethnic dish or some other thing. The possibilities are endless. I receive a quarterly mailing from the local community colleges that includes non-credit courses that are short-term and designed to teach a variety of things. Be proud to call yourself a lifelong learner!
Nourish the Brain with Healthy Habits
Movement boosts cognitive function and memory! Good nutrition supports brain health too. Some things to include in your diet are omega 3 rich fish such as salmon and flaxseeds which can reduce inflammation and improve cognitive health. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, spinach can protect the brain from oxidative stress and may enhance memory. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil support brain cell membranes. B vitamins in leafy greens play a role in brain energy production.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated with simple water! Not coffee or soda. If you are looking for more flavor, add a slice of lemon or lime to your water. Or even a strawberry or other small fruit. Staying hydrated is crucial for brain function, as even mild dehydration can impair focus, memory, and overall cognitive abilities.
Mindfulness & Mental Clarity
Having a mindfulness practice like prayer, meditation and deep breathing has a positive impact on memory, focus and stress reduction. Yoga can be added here, which also includes a physical aspect which is a double bonus. I have a non-negotiable morning practice that includes Bible reading and prayer while I drink my hot lemon water.
Summary
Cognitive health is important at all ages! There are so many things you can do to affect and improve brain health. Our brain is the central hub of our body and life so it’s important to keep it healthy, pay attention to it and give it the love it deserves.
Challenge
Pick ONE thing this week from the above list (or something I didn’t think to mention) and give it a go this week. Comment here or reach out to me personally and let me know how it goes! If you’d like more support, I’m here for you! Email me at inspiredwellness21@gmail.com. I am thrilled to connect with you!
In love and health,
Terri