Yes, Even Puzzles Help your Brain
t’s unavoidable. As we age we will encounter things that will just start giving out on us: our joints, our hairlines, and maybe even our hearts. Those we expect. However our brains need to have the same attention other parts of our body get. To keep your brain sharp, there are quite a few things that you can do. Here are just five:
1. Get a good amount of sleep. As you sleep at night, your brain keeps working. You sift through the information you learned during the day and put it in its proper categories. You also remember some of the things you learned in the past. Ever wonder why your first grade teacher showed up in your dreams? It’s because your brain is working! On the reverse, poor sleep or a lack of sleep can actually harm your brain and make you feel confused and foggy.
2. Eat lots of seafood and fish. Studies have shown that cultures that eat fresh fish, sushi, and seafood have less cognitive decline and higher retention rates in all ages. These foods are full of Omega-3s, which have been proven to stop brain deterioration and help with diseases and conditions like depression.
3. Start doing puzzles. Either putting together puzzles, doing crosswords, or playing with a puzzle body will help your brain stay active and sharp. A puzzle box, sometimes called a trick box or a secret box, requires you to not only use your eyes and critical thinking skills, but sometimes requires hand/eye coordination. There are different types available so you can start at any level.
4. Start exercising. While you are keeping your body in shape, you are also working out your mind. Studies have shown that the endorphins released while running or walking help clear away that brain fog. Aim for at least 30 minutes every day to stay on top of things.
5. Don’t stay in the house. One of the biggest things you can do to stop yourself from declining is just to get out and live your life. Go to breakfast, go on a cruise, or just get up and go for a walk around the neighborhood.
Much of staying on top of your cognitive health is keeping up some of the habits that you had when you were younger and adding in some activities, like puzzle boxes, that can help you. No matter what you do, try not to rely on just medicines or supplements for your brain. Put in the hard work, it will pay off!