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If it seems like hardly a day passes that you’re not warned about a popular diet, lifestyle habit or health care routine, you’re not alone.
New research replaces last year’s guidance and suddenly you are on a short slide to an early (but preventable) end. Should you drink the wine? Walk the 10,000 steps? Get the colonoscopy or try testing at home? It can be enough to make you give up and sink into the couch with a bag of Doritos.
The good news is, though you probably won’t be congratulated for it, you may already be making choices that are good for your brain and the rest of your body, too. Give yourself a pat on the back if you can check off any of these bright ideas for your brain.
Moving – Exercising does not have to be boring or painful. Moving your body is good for your brain, even if you’re just dancing around your kitchen and playing air guitar to “Stairway to Heaven.”
Handwork - Crocheting or knitting can reduce stress, improve cognitive function and memory, and release serotonin - a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and well-being.
DIY Projects - Your hippocampus says go ahead and redecorate your bedroom, already. Turns out enriching your environment, or redecorating, can not only generate new neurons in your brain, but it can also keep mature ones from dying. All that adds up to better cognitive function.
Berries - Berries contain flavonoids, which repair damaged brain cells and improve memory. If you want to try a different way to enjoy them, try freezing some into an ice cube tray. Then add them to your favorite beverage for a pop of sweetness.
Swimming - Swimming increases levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which improves cognition, memory, and mood regulation. Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey calls it “Miracle-Gro for your brain.” Swimming can also help you sleep better at night - another brain boost. More of a nondrowner than a swimmer? Use a kickboard!
Socializing – Visiting with friends and family can stimulate attention and memory, and help strengthen neural networks. People with strong social ties are less likely to experience cognitive decline than people who spend most of their time alone.
Learn more about brain health at vdh.virginia.gov/brainhealth.
Editor’s note: This story was submitted by Leigh-Anne Lees, VPAS director of community engagement.
