Everyone wants a healthy brain, a brain that functions well. Ayana Underwood, a neurologist, writes for Self on what people can do for the health of their brain. The National Institute on Aging also offers tips.
You want your brain to do a good job in helping you think, learn and recall information. That’s cognitive health. You want your brain to help with your motor functions, so you have good balance and can control the way you move. A healthy brain can also help you regulate your emotions. And, it can allow you to experience touch, such as pain and other physical sensations.
How can you strengthen your brain health? Underwood explains that your brain powers all your daily activities, be it exercise, cooking, socializing or reading. Your brain literally controls your body. The question becomes how to tend to your brain so that it is as functional as possible for as long as possible.
Try new things: Engage your brain. That’s how to ensure you have strong neural pathways. Learning something new and challenging requires your brain to rely on new systems, which can keep your brain healthy, possibly even working to counter Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
Do something challenging: You might try learning a new musical instrument. To me, that sounds daunting. But, apparently, playing music offers extra benefits, including helping memory function and adaptive functions. You could also take up painting or dancing or learn a language or master the art of baking.
Learn a new skill to keep your mind active. You can practice your new skill as you please, but engage yourself. Do it as often as makes sense. You could see memory improvements and feel better.
How do these mental challenges work? You build protein–a myelin sheath–around your nerves. This myelin sheath helps your brain process and send information more easily.
The National Institute on Aging recommends a broader approach to what you can do to improve brain health. In addition to keeping an active mind, manage your stress, keep socially active, be physically active, eat healthy, manage your blood pressure, don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol.
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