Mental Muscle

We often focus on our physical muscles, but what about our mental muscle?  Strengthening our brain is a vital thing to do for your overall wellness.  Here are some smart secrets to try:

Hydrate.  The brain is 80% water.  To keep your brain functioning at it’s best, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. 

Breathe.  Stress hormones can negatively impact the brains prefrontal cortex, which can affect memory, attention and decision-making.  Next time you feel frazzled, take several deep breathes or meditate for a few minutes.

Eat Smart. Blueberries, salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds have compounds that strengthen neural connections.  Fill your plate with these and other healthy foods. 

Move.  Getting up and moving, being at a gym, outside or in your house has proven beneficial to improving memory.  Shoot for 3x/week for at least 30 minutes at a time.  You’ll feel good and so will your brain.

Sleep.  Have you ever noticed that when you are short on sleep, your grasp on vocabulary and even reasoning is slow or “off”?  You need 7-8 hours of sleep for optimal cognitive function.  Go to bed when you are tired, not when every last thing is done or taken care of.  Turn off any screens an hour prior to bedtime and make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation for body, mind and spirit.

Learn. Try something new and your mind will flourish.  What have you always wanted to try or learn, but haven’t – answer that and you are on your way.

Hang. With your friends and family.  Get together often, take classes, go to parties – interact with others.  Being social has been proven to help slow cognitive decline.

Make exercising your brain a part of everyday.  You may already be doing many of the smart steps outlined above- keep doing them and maybe try some new things as well.  Your mental muscle will be healthy and happy.