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You can be brainy! Here’s how:
1. Eat a diet that's high in antioxidants or take them as supplements. A diet high in antioxidants helps protect brain cells and will keep your aging brain healthier.
2. Exercise. The old saying "healthy body, healthy mind" holds true. Exercise affects your overall health, including the brain. Swim, ride a bike, walk, dance, garden, stretch or do yoga to keep your body and brain healthy. Memory Matters program director Karen Doughtie recommends using the Superbrain Yoga technique to energize and activate the brain. For more information about the technique, go to www.superbrainyoga.com
3. Drink adequate amounts of water to keep hydrated. Water keeps the blood circulating, which is important for brain activity.
4. Keep your brain active every day. Play trivia games, do crossword puzzles, word games or read daily.
5. Start something new to challenge your brain. Take up a new hobby, learn a new language or write a book. Attend lectures and plays and stay socially engaged in activities that stimulate the mind and body, such as bridge clubs and square dancing clubs.
Sources: Alzheimer's Association; health.howstuffworks.com
Did you know?
No matter how ticklish you are, you can’t tickle yourself. Why? The main reason anyone can be tickled is the element of surprise and the feelings that follow: panic, laughter and sensation. When we tickle ourselves we have lost the surprise factor. Our brain knows what is happening so there's no reason to laugh.
