Healthy Living

Mental Gymnastics

We've all had those moments of confusion or forgetfulness in which we put the cereal back in the fridge and the milk in the cupboard.  Maybe at some point you've called your husband "What's his face."  Maybe on purpose.  There's been a lot of talk lately about keeping your brain sharp, and strengthening your memory – especially now with the new developments in Alzheimer's medication.  But doctors say there are things you can do while you're young – and even old – to improve your brain power.

Exercise your mind.

Use it or lose it, as they say.  Well, also use it to build it.  According to brain fitness community www.memosyn.com and its creator Dr. Majid Fotuhi, "your brain indeed stretches and becomes literally bigger when you challenge and stimulate your brain."  He suggests learning something new that works multiple areas of your brain – like ballroom dancing, with the music, steps, and memorization.  To exercise other areas, you could also learn a foreign language during your commute, or do the daily crossword or sudoku puzzle at lunch. 

Exercise your body.

Research has shown that exercise – even just walking 30 minutes a day – can strengthen your brain.  Dr. Fotuhi says exercise "nourishes your brain cells," and increases a protein in the brain that heals and repairs.  Eating the right kinds of foods is important, too – foods like salads, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Healthy foods – fruits and vegetables in particular – reduce the hardening of blood vessels and inflammation in the brain.  So keep your brain younger and sharper by exercising and eating right.

Reduce your stress.

A happy brain is a healthy brain.  "Stress kills brain cells," says Dr. Fotuhi – stress that leads to high blood pressure, which leads to hardened blood vessels and potentially strokes.  Of course avoiding stress at work and at home is easier said than done.  But what you can do is better your sleep habits, even if you need a doctor's help.  Enlighten your brain, too, by seeking the positives in life.  Treat yourself to a trip, to an evening out with friends, to your favorite TV show.  Relaxing and enjoying yourself is a lot easier on the brain.

What do you do to keep your mind sharp?  Something like that?  Look, I remembered my question.