Brain Power: Lifestyle that goes to your head

There are lots of good reasons to be healthy: more energy; a longer, better life; and of course, the visible payoff of a fit physique. But when we talk about the benefits of eating right and exercising, it’s usually a “neck-down” focus. What about the central command unit for your whole body—your brain?

Just like your body, your brain is subject to aging and getting flabby if it’s neglected. Luckily, it responds very well to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Bettering your brain fitness will benefit Stay ‘Sharp’ for life with a healthy lifestyleyou now, with improved memory, alertness, and concentration, and in the long run, by making you better equipped to cope with stress and possibly staving off age-related brain degeneration.

Eating right

The brain needs all the same building blocks that the body does: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Obviously, we’re not talking about sausages and snack cakes here, but whole grains, lean proteins, colourful fruits and veggies, and healthy fats.

Fats are especially important, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiencies in these essential nutrients have been linked to mood disorders, learning disabilities and poor memory. The old saw about fish being “brain food” was right on the money, as oily fish (as well as nuts and seeds) are a key source of these good fats.

But the easiest step you can take to improve your brain is to simply drink more water. The circuitry in your brain needs water to do its job and flush out toxins. In fact, that mid-afternoon slump is often better solved by a big glass of H2O than a 2 p.m. coffee run!

Working it

Any kind of physical exercise that is good for your body is good for your brain, as it oxygenates the blood and helps clear out waste matter. How many times have you gone for a walk to “clear your head” and discovered that it actually works?

The easiest step you
can take to improve
your brain is to simply
drink more waterBesides working up a sweat, you can challenge your grey matter simply by performing everyday tasks in new ways. Try brushing your teeth or eating with your non-dominant hand, or taking a different route to work. Puzzle lovers can rejoice in the knowledge that daily games like crosswords and Sudoku help keep the brain strong.

To really get your brain pumped up, learn a new language, take up a musical instrument, or make some pottery. Even playing bingo helps to develop and maintain hand-brain coordination. (And you thought Aunt Edna just liked to gamble!)

Chilling out

Sometimes your brain needs time off from the pressures of the world, and watching reruns isn’t going to cut it. Stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation or spiritual pursuits can relieve stress and quiet the mind. It’s also valuable to surround yourself with loving, supportive people. This can be as simple as a family outing, a volunteer job, or a weekly night out with friends.

So, while it may not get you into a smaller pair of jeans, having a fit and healthy brain is something to enjoy now—and down the road.

Like your body, your brain fitness improves with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables