Juggle. A small study has shown that juggling can improve connections and white matter in the brain. [2] X Research source Woodworking is a great way to keep the brain engaged. It requires precise measurements and concentration. Digital photography has been shown to have a very significant impact on mental health, perhaps because of how difficult and complex the task can be.
Starting brain games, and being mentally active in general, early in life has shown to be more beneficial than attempting to start later in life. Once the brain games stop being complex, it no longer has the same brain health impact it once did. If the game is easy, find a new game.
Shoot for as many digits in the number pi as you can. Lock down the ingredients in a complicated recipe. Find a favorite speech and commit it to memory.
Reading stimulates the brain and slows the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most people have difficulty focusing on reading for just five straight minutes without distraction. Look for articles that pertain to what you currently find interesting in the world. If you have a favorite author, look up one of their books on a popular website and then check recommended authors. You may find a new favorite.
Call a loved one once a day. Send a hand-written letter to a grandparent. Try a new social media interaction with a younger relative.
Cook at a food bank. Helping with the recipes could engage mathematical portions of your brain. Try tutoring to stimulate thinking skills. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Read to children at a library.
Sit with coworkers at lunch. Choose people you don’t speak to often. Try taking a new course or class. Look to local community colleges or a lifelong learning center. Chat up a random stranger. This can be done anywhere (e. g. grocery store, hardware store, restaurant, in line at the bank).
Add some weight to your walks. Some research has shown that a small amount of weight has significant positive effect on brain health. Put on ankle weights before the next walk for a mental health boost. [10] X Research source Work in the garden. Leisurely swim a few laps. Clean the house from top to bottom. Rake some leaves.
Try counting your steps during a run. Add up the total weight lifted when doing strength exercises (e. g. 3 reps of 20lbs would be 60lbs). Sign up for an instructor led class that will challenge you to memorize a routine.
Doing some squats will strengthen various balance muscles in your legs. Try balancing on one leg. You’ll wobble at first, but with enough practice, you’ll begin to stabilize.
Wear a helmet whenever riding a bike or skateboard. Always buckle your seatbelt when available. Avoid contact whenever possible in contact sports.
One study has shown that 80% of people with Alzheimer’s also have cardiovascular issues. Take preventative measures by improving your cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol, and you’ll improve your chances against Alzheimer’s. [15] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source If you are forgetting more often, having trouble with instructions, words are getting jumbled, or you’re losing things often, you may need to see your doctor to see if these issues are related to Alzheimer’s. [16] X Research source
Reducing the number of calories you eat has actually been shown to minimize mental issues during old age. [18] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Including recommended amounts of fruit in your diet also helps lessen the potential of cognitive issues in old age.
Minimal alcoholic intake - two or less per day is the recommendation - has also been linked to improved blood pressure, a supplementary benefit that helps mental health in old age. [19] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Combining lower alcohol intake with other good behaviors like exercise and not smoking increases the likelihood of positive cognitive ability when older. [20] X Research source Smoking negatively affects the cortex, which influences memory and language skills. [21] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization. Go to source Drug abuse has been linked to everything from dementia and amnesia to psychosis and anxiety. Non-prescription drugs should be avoided at all costs. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Sleep well by taking a hot shower before you go to bed. This will help regulate body temperature and make it better for sleeping. Try multiple positions when you fall asleep. Some may help you get to sleep faster.
