The other day, I walked into my bedroom and could not figure out why I went in there! Does this happen to you too? It got me to thinking about the foggy brain or mind that has reared its ugly head since menopause entered my life.

However, there’s a lot you can do to keep you mind sharp. There are a variety of ways to exercise your brain, from learning something new, to exercise, to quitting unsupportive habits.

Your brain eventually ages just like any other part of your body, but there is much you can do to slow, or even reverse, the aging process. It’s never too soon or too late to work on keeping your mind sharp!

Try these suggestions!

Learn a foreign language

Learning a new language is challenging! Between learning new vocabulary and grammar rules, you’ll give your brain a full workout. You’ll even become a better listener. Pick a language that interests you. Hopefully, it will be one that you find useful, too.

Meditate

Meditation is all about focus. With age, it can be more challenging to concentrate. Daily meditation feels good, helps you to relax, and gives your brain a workout. Develop a daily meditation practice and notice all the benefits you gain.

Exercise your brain and body

There are many ways to exercise your brain. Listen to classical music, take a math class, do a crossword puzzle, read a challenging book, make a list of random words and try to remember it. Play bridge or poker.

Exercising your body can help your brain, too. Avoid exercising to exhaustion, but exercise enough to give your heart and lungs a workout too. Find an activity you love to do. See your doctor prior to beginning any exercise program or increasing your intensity.

Avoid smoking and excessive drinking

Some studies show that a drink a day is healthy. One drink. There are no studies that support smoking as a health booster. One of the ways to keep your mind sharp is to stop doing the things that damage it.

Learn something new

Learning creates actual structural changes in your brain. Take a class at your local community college or in the age we are currently living, take an online class. Teach yourself sign language or how to play the piano. There must be something that you’d like to know more about. Now is the time to indulge yourself a little.

Get enough rest

Less than seven hours of sleep has been shown to impair cognitive function on multiple levels. Decision-making and memory are just two examples. Get enough sleep and your brain will function at a higher level. Start tonight.

Do things in a new way.

Take a few everyday tasks and try doing them in a new way. For example:

  • Eat with your opposite hand.
  • Get dressed with your eyes closed or with only one hand.
  • Wear your watch upside down.

What ideas can you come up with?

Turn the volume on your TV down

Set the volume to a comfortable level and then turn it down one click. See if you can follow what’s being said. When that becomes easy, turn it down another notch. Repeat. These steps help your brain’s ability to process auditory information.

The best time to work on maintaining your brain health was 20 years ago; the second best time is today.

Get started immediately and challenge your brain in new ways. Part of the reason we lose mental sharpness is routine. Middle-aged and older adults do the same things each day and rarely do or learn anything new.

Dare to be different. Stretch your brain and reap the rewards.

Yours in health and wellness,

Francine Alleyne (RHNP™)

Holistic Nutritionist

and Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™

Join my Facebook group – Midlife Healthy Daily!

Email: fran@francinealleyne.com

Website: https://midlifehealthy.com/

Instagram: @wellness.with.fran

DISCLAIMER: Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms.  I am not a doctor. This post and anything else you find on my website is intended for informational, educational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY and is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease.