Most of us strive to “stay in shape” in one way or another. Paying attention to physical fitness is imperative, but what about mental fitness? Making sure we flex our mental “muscles” is particularly important as we age. So, use your brain and enhance your life!
When asked, most people are more concerned with losing their mental abilities rather than physical abilities as they age. Yet, not everyone makes the most of exercising their minds to ensure mental sharpness. To expect peak performance from our body, it’s understood we must train and exercise it. The same is true for our mind. We must use it to not lose it.
How to Use your Brain
When young, we are mentally engaged with school, work and family commitments. But how we utilize our minds differs as we age. As we get older, responsibilities change and shift and we don’t have to do as much mental exercise in our daily routine. It becomes something we must choose to do, instead of an integral part of everyday life. Choosing mental fitness may not high on our to-do list, but incorporating it into everyday will benefit our brains and quality of life.
Our brains continue to learn throughout our lives. Yes, we lose brain cells, but we can continue to grow them as well. Neurons or brain cells grow when they are stimulated with use and nourished with physical exercise and brain healthy nutrition. Experts suggest at least an hour of mentally challenging activities each day. While we can’t necessarily stop a disease already present in our brains, we can continue to stimulate our minds to keep it as sharp as possible and sustain independence and function longer.
Choose to stimulate your brain today. Participate in challenging activities to exercise your brain. Play games, learn something new or enhance current interests and knowledge. Read, especially aloud, daily and keep growing new brain cells and connections. A mentally stimulated brain will only enhance your life. For fun and engaging mental fitness and education about brain and memory wellness, check out our Brain Boosters books here!