Over 50 or 60 or 70? I don’t care how old you are, age is just a number, right? We know we’re getting older and our cake no longer has room for all the candles but listen, we don’t have to let our age define who we are.
I hear so many of my friends say “Oh I’m having a senior moment” and that saying honestly makes me cringe. Yes, I get it’s funny but you keep telling yourself that and your brain is going to start believing you. If you want to keep your brain young, start telling it more optimistic things.
Just because dementia runs in your family or is on the rise doesn’t mean you are doomed to get it! You have the power to age gracefull and maintain your brain health.
Let’s ditch the “senior moments” and prepare to enjoy a life of clarity, focus, and mental agility.
15 simple hacks to keep your brain young
It doesn’t matter how old you are, start now where you are. You may not be able to reverse damage that has already been done but you CAN slow down an aging brain. If you want to keep your brain young, it’s up to you to put some of the hacks below into practice.
And the best part about it all, they are simple! Anyone can do them, any time. So no excuses!
1. Get Moving
We all know exercise is good for the body, but it’s a superstar for the brain too. Think beyond the gym! Try dancing, gardening, yoga, or even a brisk walk in nature.
The key is consistency. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 days of the week.
- Tip: Find activities you genuinely enjoy. It’s much easier to stick with something you love! Mix it up! Try different types of exercise to challenge your brain and body in new ways. Grab a buddy and join a gym or yoga class.
2. Feed Your Brain the Good Stuff
Your brain is a hungry organ, and it needs the right fuel. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Think blueberries, leafy greens, salmon, and nuts.
- Tip: Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, for brain cell health. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats. They can cloud your thinking and slow you down.
This article will help you! 15 Foods to Avoid to Prevent Dementia
3. Get Your Zzz’s
Quality sleep is crucial for brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and clears out toxins.
- Tip: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment. No electronics 30 minutes before bed.
This article will help you! 7 Ways to Get a Good Night Sleep
4. Puzzles, Anyone?
Keep your brain active with puzzles, crosswords, or brain age games (there are tons of free good apps). I recently started using an app on my phone and I spend at least 15 minutes a day doing an assortment of brain exercises.
- Tip: Never stop challenging your brain. It’s a muscle – it needs to work! Take a class, join a book club, or explore a new hobby. Don’t be afraid to try something completely new and outside your comfort zone.
This article will help you! 11 Brain Exercises to Keep Your Mind Sharp
5. Socialize and Connect (don’t be a hermit!)
Social interaction stimulates the brain and reduces stress. Spend time with loved ones, join clubs, volunteer, or participate in community activities.
- Tip: Schedule regular get-togethers with friends and family. Find groups with shared interests to connect with like-minded individuals. You can find groups in your area on Facebook, at your church, local library, grocery store or even at cafes.
6. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can damage brain cells and impair cognitive function, not to mention what it does to your physical health too. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Tip: Identify your stressors and develop strategies to manage them. Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that help you relax.
This article will help you! 15 Self Care Activities to Improve Your Life
7. Bottoms Up!
Wait, no, we’re not talking about beer! Water water water!! Even mild dehydration can affect cognitive function. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. We simply don’t drink enough water.
While 8-10 glasses is no longer the standard, listen to your body and hydrate when you feel tired, cranky, hungry or lethargic.
- Tip: Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it regularly. Infuse your water with fruits or herbs for added flavor because let’s face it, plain water gets boring really fast. Don’t forget to include foods high in water content as well (melons, cucumbers, lettuce, etc!
8. Arouse Your Senses
Engage your senses with activities like aromatherapy, listening to music, or spending time in nature. We have 5 senses. Put them all to work.
- Tip: Explore different scents and find ones that uplift your mood. Take time to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Listen to music daily, try new foods, etc.
9. Play it Again, Sam
Music has a profound impact on the brain. It can improve mood, memory, and cognitive function. Listen to your favorite tunes, learn an instrument, or join a choir.
- Tip: Create playlists for different moods and activities. Explore new genres of music to expand your horizons. Learning an instrument creates new neural pathways.
10. Be Here Now (too cliché?)
Mindfulness meditation can improve attention, focus, and memory. Take a few minutes each day to practice being present in the moment. Sit in your surroundings and take it all in, letting go of any worries or stress that is troubling you.
- Tip: Start with short meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration. Use mindfulness techniques throughout the day to stay grounded.
You might really like this article! 15 Mindfulness Practices to Help You Find Peace
11. Take a Digital Detox
Excessive screen time can be detrimental to brain health. Take regular breaks from your devices and engage in other activities. And besides, social media can become quite toxic at times. We don’t need that drama in our lives!
- Tip: Set limits on your screen time and stick to them. Replace screen time with activities like reading, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies. Don’t bring your phone to bed with you – leave it in another room.
12. Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups with your doctor can help identify and address any potential health issues that may affect brain function. It’s important to see your doctor regularly as you age. You may need to adjust or reduce your medications.
- Tip: Discuss any concerns about your cognitive health with your doctor. Get regular screenings for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
13. Be Positive!
A positive outlook can have a significant impact on brain health. Focus on gratitude, optimism, and resilience. When you have a negative mindset, it will directly affect not only your mood but your brain health as well.
- Tip: Practice positive affirmations and visualize your goals. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Each time you have a negative thought stop it and turn it into 3 positive thoughts.
You might really like this article! How Positive Thinking Can Change Your Life
14. Never Stop Learning
Learning new skills challenges the brain and promotes neuroplasticity. Take a class, learn a new language, or pick up a new hobby. At 62, I take Spanish class every day and some days it’s hard and frustrating but I keep learning and never give up!
- Tip: Choose skills that are challenging and engaging. Embrace the learning process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Call a friend to join you in a fun class.
15. Make Time For Play!
Play is essential for brain health and well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and laughter. So many people stop playing and get sedentary. This is dangerous for your physical, mental and brain health. Don’t do that! If you want to keep your brain young, keep playing!!
- Tip: Schedule time for play and fun activities. Don’t take yourself too seriously and embrace your inner child. Join a pickleball team, go bowling, bird watching, start a community garden, the possibilities are endless!
final thoughts on hacks to keep your brain young
These 15 simple hacks to keep your brain young may seem like a lot but if you start doing them slowly, you’ll notice a difference in no time!
You can keep your brain young, vibrant, and ready for all the adventures that lie ahead. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your brain health nutrition and overall cognitive well-being.
You can either keep telling yourself you’re having a ‘senior moment’ OR you can wipe that phrase out of your vocabulary for good.
The choice is yours. Choose wisely!
