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As we know brain is our most important organ. The brain not only controls the
functioning of our body but also how we think and feel and how we learn and
remember among the many other things its controls. The seat of our well-being
and all intellectual and creative faculties, the brain is the master of our body.
But we must know just as our body ages, our brain ages too and the principle,
'use it or lose it' applies to our brain too. Physical and mental exercises are the best
ways to keep our brain active and sharp throughout our life. Let us learn why and how. |
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Studies have shown that physical exercise and mental stimulation improve brain functioning and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Age-related cognitive decline manifests itself in one or many of these forms: dementia, alzheimer, decline in thinking function, depression. The most amazing thing about the brain is that it is a thinking organ that grows through perception and action. Our brain can continuously adapt itself; even when ageing it can grow new neurons. Constantly challenging it, making it work, learning new skills keeps our brain active and stimulates new neurons. It is for this reason that while severe mental decline is usually caused by a medical condition, most age-related impaurements in thinking functions or motor skills result from inactivity and lack of mental stimulation.
Through some easy, enjoyable exercises and practices given below you can keep your brain active.
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Reading: Make it a point to read a newspaper, a few pages of book/magazine everyday. |
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Solving crosswords, sudokus and puzzles: This not only stimulates your brain cells but also keep you entertained. Alternate between these so that all your faculties (verbal, numerical, lateral) are challenged. |
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Learning a new skill: A language, a craft, a musical instrument anything that interests you. This will not only increase your ability to learn and remember over time but will also give a sense of achievement and satisfaction. |
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Physical activity and exercise also have a role to play in keeping your brain active. Physical activity and exercise increase breathing and heart rate which increases blood supply to the brain, which in turn enhances energy production and waste removal. Exercises such as walking and jogging are good for your brain because they increase blood circulation, oxygen and glucose supply to the brain.
Combining social, physical and mental aspects in leisure activities is believed to be very effective in reducing dementia risk. Apart from stimulating neurons, engaging in physical, social and mental activities helps your brain in another way, by reducing stress. When one engages in activities s/he likes, s/he gets a sense of satisfaction and happiness, which reduces stress. Reduced stress, improves the memory and thinking functions of the brain.
Therefore undertaking leisure activities such as the following are very beneficial for the brain.
- Gardening
- Participating in cultural and group activities
- Engaging in group sports
- Listening to music
- Dancing
As we age, physical decline is bad but even scary is mental decline. Loosing out on your life's precious memories or inability think or perform simple tasks can make life debilitating. Through some simple choices and practices mentioned above we can delay the onset of brain ageing and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Activity is the key to staying healthy both physically and mentally.
Tips to help you stay sharp
- Exercise regularly. Do exercises that you like.
- Engage in mental simulation exercises
- Do simple calculations mentally and not by a calculator
- Before you go out for shopping make a list of your shopping items, when you go to the market try to remember the items on your list and shop
- If you have read something interesting, narrate it to friends and family
- Engage in reasonably complex, varied, interesting and frequent physical and mental activities.
- Choose activities that combine social, mental and physical activity components
- Eat a well-balanced diet and ensure a good intake of anti-oxidants.
- Maintain a positive outlook
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