HealthyLife Articles

Tag: mental sharpness

  • Learn For Brain Health

    Brain & Nervous System

    Illustration of person standing with arms open holding large puzzle piece with brain.

    As adults grow older, it’s important for brain health to have new learning challenges, and to improve problem-solving and reasoning skills.

    Endless possibilities: Choose a subject or a skill you are curious about or wished you explored when you were younger. Want to learn a musical instrument? Become more computer-savvy? Improve car maintenance skills?

    Local learning: Take a course at a library, community college, or recreation center.

    Online and free: Check out the wide variety of free, online courses atedx.orgorcoursera.org.

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ways To Improve Brain Health

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older couple dancing.

    Dancing

    Dancing offers social interaction and a distraction from the day’s stress. It’s also a great way to get aerobic exercise. Dancing challenges the mind, which supports a healthy brain.

    Running

    Studies have shown aerobic exercise like running reduces anxiety and depression. Being active may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Sleeping

    Lack of sleep hurts reasoning and problem-solving skills. Some studies suggest that sleep helps clear out toxins from the brain, helping it to stay healthy and sharp.

    Relaxation

    Deep breathing, prayer and meditation can help relax the mind and lower stress levels. Long-term stress can damage how the brain works, so coping with stress in healthy ways gives your brain a boost.

    Sources: National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine