Peace of mind. Peaceful life.
We all want to live happier and healthier lives. But in between time-constrained work weeks, a scroll-sized list of errands to run and a plethora of house chores that seemingly never end, finding time to work on your mind’s health falls short of priority.
But whether you’re just too busy or you’re slowly finding yourself losing that mental edge from old age, there are several quick tips and tricks that are time-friendly and anti-ageism to help jog your mind into tip top shape.
Exercise
Sure, working out can have great effects on your body, including gaining muscle and shrinking that waistline, but it’s also one of the best ways to improve your state of mind. Even 10 minutes worth of exercise can trigger the release of endorphins throughout your body and pump oxygen to your brain making your mind feel more efficient, adaptive and stress free.
Nutrition
Eating better does more than just shave off those extra pounds. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and unsaturated oils can help develop cognitive impairment and the onset of dementia.
Games
Whether it’s a chess match, a crossword puzzle, your favorite board game – even a video game – using your brain to solve problems and puzzles can sharpen your brain and critical thinking skills. It can even help ward off Alzheimer’s, dementia and other brain disease.
Blood pressure
It’s more than just numbers. Your blood pressure affects your wellbeing in many ways, even your brain. High blood pressure in midlife can increase the risk of cognitive decline when elderly. Make sure that you’re staying active, eating right and reducing stress as much as possible.
Drink responsibly
Alcohol abuse and excessive drinking increases your risk for dementia substantially. The fewer drinks the better, but if you must drink, try to limit yourself to 1-2 drinks per day max.
Socialize
Even the most die-hard introverts need to socialize every so often to keep their emotions in check and their mind right. Studies have indicated that strong social ties and interactions can help lower dementia and blood pressure.
Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin has proven to show a reduction in the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia. Just make sure you ask your doctor if you’re a candidate before popping a daily dose.
Cholesterol
Dementia is at it again, in this case when it comes to high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Much like your blood pressure, diet, exercise and avoiding tobacco can help you greatly improve your cholesterol levels.
Read
A good book can do more than transport your mind into a fictional world. Putting your nose between the pages can help strengthen your brain and your recollection. It’s also a sure way to put a smile on your face – depending on what you’re reading, of course.
Hobbies
Being pressed for time or getting old shouldn’t be an excuse to not have any hobbies. It’s what life is about – doing the things you love. Whether it’s picking up a sport or something creative, hobbies can help set your mind at ease.
Meditation
Finding your happy place can be anything from Tai chi and Yoga to walking the block and closing your eyes for 60 seconds. Decompressing from the day is paramount for achieving a happy mind and keeping stress, anxiety and worry at bay.
Outdoors
There’s not much better to clear your mind and set yourself at ease than getting out into the solitude of nature. Leave the electronics at home and just be one with nature. You’ll feel the stress from your busy day, career and life in general slowly but surely fade away – guaranteed.
Music
Music is like food for the ears. Pump in the jams and satisfy your brain’s hunger. Whether you’re a leisurely listener or an avid player, music can do wonders for your brain, including improving your mood, increasing intelligence, enhancing learning and concentration and fighting dementia.
Switch hands
One of the best ways to improve your brain’s wellbeing is to always be learning. One quick way to do that is by switching hands. By using your less dominant hand to do even the simplest tasks, like brushing your teeth can help rewire your brain, providing added mental stimulus, coordination and more.
Travel
This one might be tough with a busy schedule, but sometimes you just have to leave the work at work and get out and explore the world. Traveling exposes you to different cultures and ways of life. It breaks up monotony, sharpens the mind and is an all-around amazing way to reprogram your perspective on life.
It’s time to eliminate excuses like you’re too busy or too old to work on achieving a healthier, happier mind. It’s really pretty simple – eat better, drink less, exercise more, pick up a book, challenge yourself and travel. You’ll find that if you start making the time and the effort to improve your mind’s health you’ll live happier, eventually asking yourself why you waited this long to start!
