There’s no doubt that physical exercise is essential for staying healthy as we grow older. In fact, there’s no doubt that physical exercise is essential for staying healthy at any age. We all know that getting off the sofa and getting outside for half an hour or so each day is good for us. As is eating a varied diet, keeping track of calories, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol, when it comes to keeping our bodies in peak condition.
But what about our brains? How do we do the same for our grey matter?
You won’t be surprised to learn there’s been a huge increase in the popularity of online brain training games during the pandemic. Puzzles, mental fitness tests, reading and writing challenges and memory quizzes are designed to stimulate your intellect and stave off all manner of cognitive functioning problems. If you’re as old as the ClearO2 team, you’ll remember Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training games on the Nintendo. Right? Today’s apps are a little more advanced, but ostensibly offer the same benefits – to help keep your brain sharp while having fun.
However, the majority of studies show these sort of games are not all they’re cracked up to be. And there’s little scientific evidence to show they make any discernible difference on your mental acuity at all.
So, what can you do to keep your brain sharp?
Eat a rainbow
Do all you can to take on a variety of nutrient-rich foods with a broad colour pallet. Keep a rainbow in mind. Fuel your brain with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs as nature intended – with fresh fruit and vegetables, if you can. Otherwise, invest in good quality supplements.
Use a natural source of energy
One of the most effective ways of giving your brain cells a boost naturally and effectively is by using supplemental oxygen. Regular supplementation of oxygen helps combat the ill effects of air pollution, clears brain fog and sends CO2 directly into your cells for clean, natural energy.
Look for the sun
In the UK, we generally suffer a lack of sunshine, especially at this time of year, which means most people are deficient in vitamin D. You can hit your daily vitamin D requirement by taking a supplement but it’s best if you can find time to head outside and enjoy as much natural light as possible, even if it’s a cloudy or overcast day.
Try something new
Research shows that challenging your brain with new or difficult activities can actually build new brain cells and strengthen the connection between them. If you’re looking for a fun way to ward off cognitive decline and memory loss later in life, this could be the answer.
Anyone for wakeboarding?
Fix your sleep
Good sleep hygiene is vital when it comes to keeping your brain sharp. You really can’t expect to fire on all cylinders on four hours in the sack. Make sure you avoid blue lights from electronic devices at bedtime and don’t drink caffeine or alcohol before you hit the hay.
