Now is a great time to take stock of the areas of your life that could benefit from some subtle shifts in perspective, as well as new habits. There are endless ways you can support your brain health; take a look at four of our brain healthy resolution favorites!
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology indicates that aerobic exercise may play a significant role in reversing and preventing cognitive decline. We often associate aerobic exercise with cardiovascular health. However, it turns out that the two are more closely linked than most of us realize. Particularly when combined with a heart-healthy diet, even a little exercise each day can result in significantly improved brain function in less than six months. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to dramatically improve spinal movement which can nurture the function of your brain.
Remember that the goal is sustainability; there’s no need to start training for a marathon. Even a leisurely walk each day will improve your brain health over time. Set a goal you know you can achieve. Quick successes will strengthen your motivation, and you can always set new goals as you gain strength and endurance that support your ideal 100 Year Lifestyle.
Make time every day for intentional mental activity. At this point in history, we have many options available to us that put our minds on autopilot, and much of our free time is spent doing those things. We can watch television or scroll through social media accounts for an unlimited amount of time, activities that require very little concentration or active comprehension.
To keep our brains healthy, we must exercise our mental muscles. Like any other muscle, if they go unused too often or for too long, our minds can atrophy over time. Flex those muscles by doing crossword puzzles in the morning, having a long conversation with someone you love, playing a strategy-based board game with your kids, or picking up a good book before bed. Making use of your mind will keep it sharp.
Our brains do some of their best work while we are at rest. As we move through the various stages of sleep, the brain does many critical jobs. It clears waste, files memories, and categorizes knowledge, to name just a few. Getting enough quality sleep isn’t only about providing our body with necessary rest; it also gives our brain time to do the full scope of its work.
Here are a few simple ways to improve your sleep in the coming year:
Mindfulness is simply an exercise in paying attention. It’s easy to go through our days with little awareness of our surroundings, our senses, and even our feelings. Mindfulness is the intentional practice of noticing what’s happening right in front of you, in this very moment.
Mindfulness can be done as a meditation. For those who have a tough time clearing their minds during meditation, a mindfulness approach can be helpful. It allows them to notice their thoughts without attempting to control or stifle them. Mindfulness can also extend far beyond the meditation cushion. Every single moment can be approached from a place of awareness. When you’re going for a walk, you might pay attention to the way the breeze feels on your skin or the smell of the air around you. You might notice the sound your feet make as they hit the ground.
The purpose of mindfulness is to bring you into the present moment; it can serve as a brain-break from multitasking and analysis. It is also useful in training your mind to follow your command, rather than the other way around.
In addition to these approaches, the BrainTap team would love to partner with you on the road to optimal brain health! We have developed seven bundles, each available via our app on your IOS or Android device. They are aimed at helping you improve the health and function of your brain. We would love to provide you with resources for increased wellness as you begin thinking about how you want to feel a year from now. Go to the BrainTap website today and consider how we might help you reach your goals!
