Just as your body requires care and exercise over the course of your life, so does your brain!
Lusaka, July 25 – Many people think that becoming forgetful and slowing down mentally is a fact of growing older. But, it doesn’t have to be!
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Just as our bodies require care and exercise over the course of our life, so do our brains – especially as we age. Lifting weights strengthens our muscles, while strengthening our brain improves memory, attention, brain speed, intelligence and more.
The brain has the ability to learn and adapt as one ages, a phenomenon known as brain plasticity, but to experience this, one must consistently engage it in training. Here are the five effective ways to train the brain:
1. Puzzles and Brain Games: Engaging in activities like crosswords, Sudoku, and other brain teasers stimulates mental processes, improving problem-solving skills and cognitive function.
2. Learning a New Skill: Taking up a new hobby or learning a new language challenges the brain to form new neural connections, enhancing memory and overall brain flexibility.
3. Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) and improving cognitive function and memory.
4. Reading and Writing: Immersing oneself in reading and writing activities encourages critical thinking, expands vocabulary, and enhances comprehension and memory retention.
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5. Social Interaction: Engaging in social activities and maintaining relationships can help prevent cognitive decline by stimulating mental faculties through conversation, empathy, and emotional regulation.
The old adage rings true: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Focusing on your brain health is proven to improve your concentration, focus, memory and mental agility, no matter your age. Hey, you may even learn something new and meet new friends along the way.
Also Read: Don’t throw away watermelon seeds! By Dr. Chitalu Chilufya. “Because they are full of nutrients like proteins, essential fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc; they may provide surprising benefits to our body, not to mention their ability to improve male fertility!”
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