- Eat for brain health A healthy diet with foods rich in antioxidants are essential for keeping our brains healthy. Avocado (one of my all time favorite foods!), extra virgin olive oil and nuts are anti-inflammatory & antioxidant with the good brain healthy monounsaturated fats
- Keep stress at bay Stress hormones wreak havoc on our brain cells and impairs our memory. The best way to reduce stress? Meditate. Even if it’s just a few minutes in the morning and a few in the evening. All exercise helps keep stress in check but Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates are especially good at helping us de-stress
- Use it or lose it Word puzzles, crosswords, Soduko, jigsaw puzzles, reading and learning something new will work your brain out the way physical exercise works your body
- Exercise Get some cardio and do some weight lifting. Studies show that exercise slows the rate at which the brain ages, improves memory and may reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Even mild physical activity is good for brain health
- Don’t put on extra LBs Keep your body at a healthy weight. Obesity can impair our body’s ability to allow blood to reach the brain. Clearly these are all things we need to do for overall health as well as brain health. Check out “The Memory Prescription” by Dr. Small for more ways to keep your brain healthy
I’ve heard meditation also helps reverse brain aging, keeps stress at bay and works most of the brain better than any brain exercise can.