Changes in your body and brain are normal as you age. However, there are some things you can do to help slow memory decline and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Here are some tips and methods to make your mind Healthy.
How to keep your mental health
Health is something that is easy to take for granted. When we start to lose it, it is hard to believe that we spend so much time without appreciating it. To ensure you stay as healthy as possible, we've outlined a guide that should help you do just that: detailing your physical, mental, and emotional health. Why would you want to live any other way?
De-stress
We talked about having fun before, but we didn't touch much on how to get rid of stress, although the two definitely go hand in hand. But in addition to having fun, it is important to control your stress levels.
- People with a lot of stress eat more, don't sleep, and are generally less healthy overall. Those hormone levels in your head affect just about everything!
- The simplest thing you can do is identify your triggers and not allow them into your life, at least as much as possible. Then add yoga or meditation on top and tidy up your space. Basically, you are organizing your life, giving it meaning, and never giving up control.
To sleep
When we don't get enough sleep at night, our whole life is affected. We can't concentrate, we can't pay attention, we eat more, and our hormones spread everywhere, and so on to infinity.
- We all need about 8 hours, but if you need closer to 7 or 9, it is something individual.
- To facilitate good quality sleep, start disconnecting sooner rather than later, hopefully, 2-3 hours before going to bed. So get off the computer, stop staring at your cell phone, and turn off that damn remote. Read, take a bath, or just relax with your family or roommates. Live the moment.
Get out of the box
To keep your mind active, do something you've never done before. Go to a city you've never been to. Choose a sport that you have never played before. Get creative if you haven't seen your artistic side in years.
- Find a hobby that has always intrigued you, but never liked, and makes time for it. You will feel productive, you will feel that you have achieved something and what is the end result? You'll feel good. Just what the doctor ordered.
- Whether it's paragliding, taking a cooking class, or entering a big city without a map, there will be something to gain from these new experiences. Even if it's just a crazy story, it counts!
Stay mentally stimulated
The brain is very much a muscle: it can get used to the rhythms you put it through. Put it in front of the television day after day and it will atrophy. It will become lazy. But keep it moving and you'll stay fresh and looking forward to the next big adventure. So turn off the tube and do something to challenge yourself. Does anyone want chess?
- The Internet makes this so easy. Open Lumosity, Sudoku or Crossword, Memrise, Khan Academy, or Coursera (just to name a few possibilities). It is very little you cannot do with the computer in front of you. Then there are no excuses!
Follow your passion
Really. Because after all, life without passion is not a healthy life. Everyone has a dream and even if you can't turn it into something that you can pursue 24/7, it may be something that has its own niche in your life.
- So spend Wednesday afternoon writing your book. Happiness is an integral part of being happy, and following your passion is a good way to ensure that your happiness is here to stay.
- If it gives you that warm feeling on the inside, it's meant to be. Never let your passions get in the way. They are there to keep your heart and mind happy and healthy.
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