8 Ways To Sharpen Your Ageing Mind

18 Oct 2018

1. Be Social

Engaging in fresh and varying viewpoints can push your brain to think in new ways and improve your cognitive abilities.Keep your brain active by having daily chats with a friend or engage with new people to boost your concentration and improve short-term memory.

2. Laughter is the best medicine

Cortisol is a stress hormone that can disrupt your brain's ability to retain information and think clearly. Beat stress and lower your cortisol levels with the power of a good laugh. Laughter lowers your cortisol levels and floods your body with feel-good endorphins that can go a long way in improving your mental health.

3. Get some fresh air

Keep your body young and agile by regularly getting out of your house. Outdoor activities will not only give your mind a break from all the time spent browsing on the Internet and watching T.V but also leave you refreshed, sharper and better equipped to handle any problems that could come your way.

4. Try new things

Avoid becoming a creature of habit. Change your daily routines, learn a new skill or just try cooking something you've never made before every day to boost your brain's ability to learn and retain new information.

5. Practise Mindfulness

Breathing exercises like meditation or Yoga can do wonders if you struggle with escalating blood pressure, cholesterol and ailments like Alzheimer's Disease. Meditation is not just an excellent way to calm your stressed mind but also sharpens your memory and helps focus your thoughts.

6. Exercise!

Having a daily exercise routine can work wonders for your mind and body. Try to get your blood flowing with at least thirty minutes of exercise every day. You will end up feeling energised, mentally sharper, and positive, thanks to the rush of joy-causing endorphins.

7. Eat smart

Studies have found that a higher BMI(Body to Mass Index) can negatively impact cognitive functioning in older adults. Keep your brain sharp by lowering/controlling your BMI. Start by adding foods low in carbohydrates and sugar as well as fruits, nuts, fibrous vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil for a brain-healthy diet.

8. Get lots of Sleep!

And finally, it's important to get lots of sleep for a healthy mind. Aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night as sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your short-term memory and make it tough for you to carry out the simplest of tasks.

Medanta Editorial Team