5 Ways to Be Good to Your Brain

While we are taking careful measures to ensure our continued wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak, it's important to focus on overall health which includes your brain health." March gives us the ideal opportunity to do so.

National Brain Awareness Week, sponsored by the Dana Foundation, takes place each March. This awareness event represents an annual opportunity to celebrate brain science and promote brain health by incorporating habits that benefit the brain.

The Dana Foundation explains: “Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Every March, partners host imaginative activities in their communities that share the wonders of the brain and the impact brain science has on our everyday lives.”

For seniors, brain health is an especially important dimension of wellness. The Dana Foundation explains: “Experts say that only about 30 percent of physical aging can be traced to our genes—the rest is up to us. There is a lot we can do to take charge of our brain health and maintain our cognitive fitness, no matter how old we are.”

Incorporating habits that benefit your brain anchors a healthy routine. Consider these five ways to be good to your brain. Consider incorporating them this March and practicing them throughout the year.

Exercise

Being physically active is one of the best ways to be healthy, and your brain loves it just as much as the rest of your body. The Dana Foundation notes that regular exercise can bolster learning and memory retention. The Foundation explains: “Exercise is strongly associated with successful brain aging. Exercise increases levels of brain chemicals that encourage the growth of neurons, which may be why aerobic activity (e.g., walking, biking, swimming) seems to sharpen memory and enhance learning. A recent study found that strength training also improves cognition in older women. There is increasing evidence that regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.”

Talk with your doctor about what exercise regiment would serve you best. Even a daily walk is a great way to serve your body and your brain.

Learn New Things

Your brain loves to learn, so feed its thirst for knowledge. Take a class. Join a book club. The Dana Foundation points out that even making a subtle change can be beneficial - like take a new route on your daily walk. Disrupting habits mean learning new things! The foundation explains: “When we settle into daily routines that we repeat all but automatically, the brain is largely operating on auto-pilot, and its level of activity dwindles. By trying something fresh and different—even approaching the day’s tasks and chores in novel ways— you can activate parts of the brain that have been falling into disuse.”

Socialize

Inviting social engagement is good for the mind and the soul. Take opportunities to meet new people in your community by attending community and church events, even if they make you feel a little nervous. Commit to putting yourself out there. It’s good to take those social challenges. While at the moment, the threat of illness is keeping everyone contained, it may be a good time to consider pursuing Visiting Angels Social Care, which gives you the chance to learn how to use the internet and social media so that you can connect with friends and family. Work at your own pace with a pro from the Visiting Angels who can help to get you up and running. It’s a fun way to stay connected!

Puzzle it Out

Give your brain exciting games, activities and challenges: puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finds, coloring and painting. The Dana Foundation has downloads for classic puzzles on their website. They’re fun, challenging and great for any age. Give them a try!

Play

Checkers, chess, sorry, euchre, poker - get out your favorite games and get back into the swing. You can play many of these classics online, or invite the old gang over for an old fashion games night. Your brain will love you for it!

Our brains love to be busy, healthy and active-just like the rest of our bodies. Make it your mission this March to give your brain the stimulation it needs, and keep the habit going throughout the year.