The majority of people go out of their way to maintain a healthy body, but not that many pay the same attention to the brain. Some may even take this organ for granted. The brain is a marvelous organ. It can solve problems, think creatively, and make decisions in a split second. However, it is also susceptible to disease and age-related changes that can hinder cognitive function.
Fortunately, this article discusses eight strategies that can help boost your brain health and cognitive function.
1. Take Supplements
A number of supplements can help improve cognitive function, from brain-boosting vitamins to amino acids and even tiny nanoparticles. Taking these supplements may reduce the risk of developing dementia. A lot of companies offering supplements are trying to be as transparent as possible with what they are selling, so you can visit their page to determine which supplements are right for you.
You should ask your doctor, too, about which supplements to take or if you even need one. You should be upfront with what you are looking for or what you expect so that your doctor can lead you to the ideal choices. Some supplements can have side effects, but taking the right ones as prescribed can boost your cognitive function.
2. Practice Meditating
Including meditation in your daily routine can enhance cognitive function. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves sleep, and strengthens your immune system. Meditation can be done anywhere, and it doesn’t require much time. It can be as simple as closing your eyes for a few minutes, or it can involve sitting in silence for an hour.
One of the most popular forms of meditation is transcendental meditation (TM). This technique involves repeating a sound or mantra while relaxing every muscle in your body from head to toe. The goal of TM is to reduce stress by calming down your body and mind and focusing on something other than what’s happening around you.
3. Eat Healthily
Foods with high levels of nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may protect you against cognitive decline as you age. These include salmon, tuna, nuts, and other foods high in omega-3; green tea; dark chocolate; fruits like blueberries and strawberries; and vegetables like leafy greens. Other nutrients that can enhance cognitive function include vitamin B12 (from eggs or fortified cereals) and vitamin D (from fatty fish).
For a healthier diet, you might want to eat less processed foods and choose whole grains over refined grains. One way to do this is to ensure that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains—such as brown rice instead of white rice or oatmeal instead of quick cereal. You can also look for products made with whole grain flour or use whole wheat pastry flour in baking recipes.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the best ways to improve brain function. Lack of sleep can adversely affect your memory, attention, mood, and overall energy levels. Getting enough sleep can help you concentrate better, remember more, and feel more alert during the day. It’s also essential for your brain to rest.
Getting the right amount of sleep is essential—not just any amount will do the trick. Try to go to bed at least seven hours per night, but don’t overly worry if you can’t hit this number every night. If you’re having trouble sleeping because of stress or other factors, talk with a doctor about how much sleep you need each night.
5. Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol
Caffeine can affect your cognitive function. It is also recommended that you do not consume alcohol since it can inhibit your brain cell function and leave you with a headache. These two substances can affect blood flow in your brain, leading to memory loss and confusion. In addition, they are known to cause dehydration, which can ultimately lead to dementia or even Alzheimer’s disease.
Instead of drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages, you may try herbal teas such as chamomile or lemon balm for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help stimulate brain cells and improve memory. You may also try mint tea, which is known to have positive and calming effects on cognitive function and anxiety levels, respectively.
6. Stay Active
Staying active is another way to enhance cognitive function naturally. This can help increase blood flow in your brain and supply oxygenated blood throughout all body parts so that more nutrients can be absorbed into your brain cells for better functioning and improved memory retention.
You can keep your brain active by stimulating it with various activities such as exercising, playing games, and doing puzzles. Your brain can then become healthier and stronger over time. Even light activities like doing chores or housework are still good for your body and mind.
7. Socialize With The Right People
The social skills you develop during childhood and adolescence have a long-term impact on your cognitive function. Thus, socializing with the right people helps you see the world from different perspectives, making you more creative and innovative. In addition, you can be less prone to stress when faced with challenges because you know what to expect from others.
To find the right people to socialize with, you may look for intelligent and well-educated people. You can also consider joining a club or organization with an intellectual focus. This way, you will have higher chances to meet people who share your interests and goals for the future.
8. Find New Hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to learn new skills and strengthen your mental health. Most hobbies are enjoyable, but some are more enjoyable than others. If you find a hobby that interests you, it can keep your focus away from other things that can be distracting, such as work or family problems. Hobbies can also help relieve stress, especially if your work requires long hours at the computer screen.
You can find new hobbies by browsing online forums and search engines for ideas on what to do with your time. There are also many books on how to start a new hobby that you might find interesting or helpful in learning new skills or improving your cognitive function.
Key Takeaway
Your cognitive function is vital because it allows you to think clearly and efficiently. It also helps you make better decisions and solve problems. However, it can weaken as you age, which makes it hard for you to concentrate or recall essential details. Even when you have a hectic schedule that makes it hard to find time for mental rejuvenation, you might want to consider incorporating some of the aforementioned ways into your daily routine.
