(FinancialHealth.net) – As the years pass by, it can feel like it’s harder to remember certain things, including childhood events. This is normal as we age but may leave some feeling frustrated and lost. Keeping mental acuity in check at all times is an important part of mental health. Just like the heart and respiratory system, the brain needs a workout, too.
Check out these ways to exercise your brain and boost its power.
1. Brain Games
There are several brain games online that make it easy to test knowledge and memory power. Some will even analyze how fast you can recount something and solve riddles. Others may test reading comprehension and encourage solving puzzles to boost concentration and mental awareness.
Playing board games like Scrabble or Boggle are other ways to competitively stimulate brain activity and think outside of the box.
2. Reading and Writing
One of the best ways to exercise your brain is to engage in reading and writing on a daily basis. It may be challenging to reach for a book and just dive in, but it can help stimulate the thought and comprehension process. Writing is important to. Grab a journal and use prompts to fill out blank pages. Answering these questions can get you started on a lifelong journaling habit:
- What’s the weather like today?
- How are you feeling today?
- What is special about today?
- Did you go anywhere, meet anyone today?
Journals are a great memory booster too, making them a good tool to look back and reflect on.
3. Feed Your Brain
Feeding the brain with a solid exercise and nutrition program is something everyone can do. Try these foods to boost your brainpower.
- Fish — offers omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the protein that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease
- Coffee and tea — when drank in moderation can give enough caffeine to boost mental function
- Berries — contain flavonoids that help improve memory
- Leafy greens — contain Vitamin K and beta carotene that help slow down cognitive deterioration
- Nuts — a great source of protein and healthy fat that may boost memory
These foods stand out, but eating from all the main food groups is a good place to start. Don’t forget to get in at least 30 minutes of physical exercise each day, too!
4. Meditation
The mind can easily get bogged down with negative thoughts that lead to stress, anxiety and depression. This makes it difficult to concentrate. Mediation can help break the cycle of racing thoughts and clear the mind. Utilizing the “off” switch for just a few moments a day and concentrating on something mindful and relaxing can boost brainpower.
5. Memory Lane
Exercising the aging brain can be as simple as reminiscing about the past. Grab an old photo album or sit down and talk with an elder in the family. It can trigger memories from childhood or years gone by, which can stimulate brain function. Taking the mind back several years helps different parts of the brain refire and recharge.
Feeding the mind is important and a great way to boost overall health — mind, body and soul. Keep away from negativity and focus on the positive. Those batteries will recharge in no time.
~Here’s to Your Financial Health!
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