Learn how to sharpen your mind and become more creative. These are all tools anyone can use to boost their cognitive abilities and actually experience the benefits of being happier, more productive, and more confident.
As we age, mental decline is a natural part of life. You can’t stop time and aging. However, you can take control of your brain health by choosing healthy lifestyle choices to keep your mind sharp. Your gray matter may need some attention from time to time. Making some adjustments and increasing awareness can help you adopt new habits.
7 Ways to Sharpen My Mind
These are simple, natural ways to keep your mind young. Check out our article on brain health myths.
1. Practice Cognitive Training Exercises
Your brain will become healthier if you do more exercise. Cognitive training exercises are activities that challenge your brain.
- Learn a new language
- Playing chess and board games
- Take a different route to work
- Use your opposite hand
- Start a new hobby
2. Meditate to Tame Stress
Chronic stress can cause brain damage, shrinkage, reorganization, memory impairment, and even death. This can only be prevented by making changes to reduce stress.
You can make changes in your life to reduce stress triggers. Stress relief can be achieved by taking just 10-20 minutes per day. Meditation can be done in many ways, such as breathing exercises, tai-chi, yoga or spiritual exercise like praying.
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3. Commit Yourself to Daily Exercise
Exercise promotes the production of a protein that enhances learning, memory, thinking, and other abilities. This protein promotes new neural growth and preserves existing ones. Exercise can literally boost your brain and help create new neural pathways.
Exercise For better health:
- Aerobic
- Strength training
- Stretching (yoga or tai chi)
4. Avoid Sugar
High-sugar diets can cause brain damage, including oxidative stress (inadequate balance between antioxidants, free radicals), inflammation and insufficient insulin regulation.
How do you tell if your sugar intake is too high? How can you tell if your sugar intake is too high?
American Heart Association recommends that adult women limit their intake to six teaspoons (24 grams) of sugar daily, while men should consume nine teaspoons (36 grams) per day. A 12-ounce can soda has 39 grams of sugar, which is more than any person should consume in a single day.
You can naturally sharpen your brain by avoiding sugary foods and eating a high-quality anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
5. Increasing the volume of antioxidants
Your ability to learn, remember, and improve your overall cognitive abilities can be improved by increasing the intake of antioxidants. This helps prevent harmful chemical reactions within your brain. How do you achieve this? Include foods that are rich in antioxidants in your diet, such as:
- Berries
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Red grapes
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Dark chocolate
6. Get Adequate, Quality Sleep
Your brain power is seriously affected by sleep deprivation. It can make it hard to remember simple things, communicate clearly and process your thoughts. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain works at a significantly lower level.
You may need to consider whether you require more sleep or better quality sleep. Adults need to sleep for 7-8 hours a night to be able to function at their best. To monitor your sleep habits and how well you are sleeping, smart watches and Fitbit devices can be used.
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7. Be Social
Not only does it sharpen your brain, but also lowers your chances of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is because social activities engage multiple brain areas, especially if there is physical activity.
You can start by volunteering in your local community, attending a class or joining a club. Keep in touch with your family and friends.
