Train Your Brain!

Many of us have exercise routines to keep us in shape. Maybe it's going to the gym, taking a walk, doing crunches at home, swimming, etc. But have you thought about exercising your brain? The best way to stay sharp is to work your brain. I found a great article from AARP.org discussing ways to keep your brain in shape. Try them out!

Snack on almonds and blueberries instead of a candy bar
-Healthy snacks lower blood sugar and improve cognition. "In this case, the omega-3s in the almonds and the antioxidants in the blueberries can keep your brain functioning correctly."

Leave your comfort zone
-"Brain teasers don't form new neural connections once you've mastered them. So try something that's opposite your natural skills: If you like numbers, learn to draw. If you love language, try logic puzzles."

Keep a calendar in every room
-By checking the calendar you are keeping your mind focused. It can also create a mental picture of the day in your head.

Take a food break.
-Research shows that people who fast one day a week or month unlock a unique form of blood glucose that helps the brain more efficiently transmit information. Then break your fast with brain-healthy blueberries and walnuts.

Turn up the tunes
-Spend time listening to music. "Music can lower stress hormones that inhibit memory and increase feelings of well-being that improve focus."

Curry up
-"Eat curry once a week, or sprinkle it on salads, to protect brain cells from harmful free radicals."

Redesign and redecorate your environment
-Making changes to your surroundings can alter motor pathways in the brain and encourage new cell growth.

Learn a language
-Picking up a new language enhances the verbal, language, and memory parts of the brain.

Decrease salt intake
-Limiting the salt in your diet can improve blood flow to the brain and decrease dementia.

Shake it out
-"Gentle bouncing of your knees and shaking out of your limbs reduces the brain-sapping stress hormone cortisol, research shows. It also triggers relaxation and alertness that keeps your brain sharp."

To see all the ways to keep your brain sharp as a tack, click below link.

http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-08-2008/noodle_boosters.2.html

Happy Exercising!