It is as important to keep your brain in shape, as it is to keep your body in shape, particularly in the later years of your life. It can become more difficult as we get older to do so, with a little motivation, inspiration and some of our top tips, keeping fit will no longer be a chore. You’ll feel much better for getting out and about more often, so take some advice from us and use these activities to keep your brain sharp:
1. Try Something New Regularly
By ensuring that you are still taking on a challenge now and then, you keep your brain better engaged and allow it to continue to develop. This can be as simple as taking a trip to somewhere you’ve never been before in your TGA mobility scooter, or something more challenging, such as attempting to learn a new language. The more you test and train your brain, the more active it will stay, and you’ll feel all the better for it! This is because every time you try something new, fresh connections are formed between the neurones and synapses.
2. Stay Active
They say that a healthy mind makes a healthy body, but it can work both ways. Even if you have limited mobility, there are a range of activities and exercises that you can do. Try to do something active every day, and if you can, make it something that you enjoy! The best activities are those done outdoors – when the weather permits – so try to make the most of the great outdoors, as the fresh air and greenery of nature will do you the world of good both physically and mentally.
3. Healthy Living
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will certainly help you to keep your body in good shape. It is ok to have treats too, so don’t think that you can’t indulge in your favourite snacks, just try to ensure that 2/3 meals are filled with healthy, fresh, local produce. It is recommended to eat a range of vegetables in different colours, as each colour can offer different benefits. Broccoli is particularly good for keeping your brain sharp due to its richness in Vitamin C and K, both of which promote an active brain. Other recommended foods include dark chocolate, salmon, walnuts and eggs.
4. Good Sleep Hygiene
Your body performs at its best when you have had a restful nights sleep, so practising good sleep hygiene could have you feeling better in just a few days. “Sleep Hygiene” is a term that refers to a recommended set of rules that you should follow to give you a better nights sleep, this includes turning off all electrical items at least an hour before bed and disassociating your bedroom with day time activities such as work and TV time. You should aim for an average of 7-8 hours sleep per night; a few hours more is beneficial on occasion, however, oversleeping can often leave you feeling more tired!
5. Routine
Engaging in a routine is a great way to plan out your time, as well as to keep your brain sharp. This should include: waking up at the same time most days, being spontaneous or taking on a new challenge/task, having your mealtimes and going to sleep at the same time most days. If you have set appointments with people, such as lunch on a Thursday afternoon, this can help to keep you motivated throughout the week, as well as helping your memory.
