Seven Small Steps to a Better Brain EP: 8

We can’t control getting older, but we can control how we do it. Today, I’m talking about how we can take steps to improve our brain. Have you ever forgotten something that you absolutely know? Like where are the keys or the name of your favorite movie? It happens to all of us from time to time. After a forgetful moment of my own, I went looking for some answers.  Our brains are amazing. They improve over time with things like vocabulary, noticing patterns, and recognizing social cues. And yes, our short-term memory might be less effective than we’re used to. If you fear getting dementia, there’s good news. Fewer people are getting dementia and if you take a few steps now, you can reduce your risk by 40%! More good news: what’s good for your heart, is good for your bones, is good for mood, is good for your weight, is good for your libido and good for your overall health.  Here are the 7 steps that can help to having a better brain. Stay connected. Keep up with friends, make new connections and stay engaged. Isolation increases harmful level of proteins in the brain. Hanging out with friends really is good for you. Get enough sleep. We all need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation has been linked to harmful plaque build up in the brain. Hear the 5 tips that will help you get a good night sleep every night. Exercise your body. You knew it was coming! We all know that exercise helps with good bone health, and it’s also good for your brain too. Strength-training is linked to better brain health as well so keep up the walking and work on building muscle as well. I also outline a few ways you can add movement in ways that are fun and easy. Calm your brain down. Breathing and meditation are great ways to help calm the brain. The payoff will help and it’s something you can do anywhere. Eat brain food. The right foods will keep your brain sharp. Keep your calories moderate and skip the processed food and choose the fresh fruits and vegetables when you can. There’s even a mind diet created to optimize the health of your brain. This plan focuses on great food options including dark chocolate and lots of other things that are delicious and healthy. Exercise your brain. Try new things. Challenge yourself to spark more synaptic connections. They don’t just make you smarter, it also creates a cognitive reserve. Reading and activities like knitting can help your brain stay sharp. Don’t be afraid to learn new things. Take care of your health. Many physical conditions can affect your brain health. High blood pressure and heart issues are just two that can impact your brain if they continue long-term. Our brain health is something we can impact, and the 7 steps I outlined will help. You’re probably already doing some of them already and can easily incorporate a few new things into your day. Good brain health will help you to continue to feel your best for years to come.   Connect with Barbara: Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life  Barbara Hannah Grufferman website Instagram @Barbara Hannah Grufferman  Facebook @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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