Today I was going to share with you the steps I always take to get in shape after holiday season, but I’ve changed my mind. Of curse, getting in shape tops many of your New Year’s resolution lists, but we must boost our brain health, too. And fortunately there is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy, make it work to its full potential and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging. Is there a diet for brain’s health? The Alliance for Aging Research encourages people exercise to improve brain health as part of their overall fitness regimen for the New Year.
Here are 10 steps AAR recommends for improving your brain health:
- Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and vitamin B; low in trans fats; and with an appropriate level of carbohydrates will help keep your brain healthy.
- Stay Mentally Active. Activities such as learning a new skill or language, working on crossword puzzles, taking classes, and learning how to dance can help challenge and maintain your mental functioning.
- Exercise Regularly. Exercising often can increase circulation, improve coordination, and help prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
- Stay Social. Spending time with friends, volunteering, and traveling can keep your mind active and healthy.
- Get Plenty of Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on brain health.
- Manage Stress. Participating in yoga, spending time with friends, or doing other stress-relieving activities can help preserve your ability to remember and learn.
- Prevent Brain Injury. Wearing protective head gear and seat belts can help you avoid head injury, which has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.
- Control Other Health Conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help reduce your risk of diseases that affect your brain, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.
- Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Smoking, heavy drinking and use of recreational drugs can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- Consider Your Genes. If your family history puts you at risk for developing dementia, work with your doctor to find ways to maintain your brain health to help avoid or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
The conclusion? ‘Mens sana in corpore sano’ 
or Happy womeneat sushi 
HiHiHi
What’s your favorite brain exercise? What are the steps you’ll be interested to read more about ? Which one you consider contagious, stress or joy? Or maybe both!?
November 1st, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I do some Sudoku every day to keep my brain busy
December 4th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I think my brain needs to be improved. It’s been “slow”, lately.
December 10th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
oh and try to eat with chopsticks, it makes you crazy! lol
December 10th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I find it hard to eat w/ chopsticks.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
yes, that’s the brain fitness training !!! =)
December 11th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
and something like knitting is good for your brain and body!
December 14th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
they key is to avoid routine
December 15th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
some examples:
1. try to it with chopsticks or with the other hand
2. don’t always live by your timetable
3. go to the libary and grap some random books to read
June 27th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Hi all great information here and good thread to comment on.
Can I ask though - how did you get this picked up and into google news?
Very impressive that this blog is syndicated through Google and is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?
Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..