We’re glad you found us. Whether you are a caregiver or someone who is 20 or 80, it’s never too early to start taking care of your brain! It’s easier than you think and will have lasting effects on your physical and emotional health – AND may even reduce your risk of developing – or slow the progression of – Alzheimer’s disease. Here are 5 ways that you can start taking care of your BRAIN, today, not tomorrow, and not after a diagnosis.
1) Emotional Well Being – mindful breathing and meditation are the DEAL, here, but, what if meditation just really isn’t your jam? There are other things you can do to reduce stress and practice self-care. Get outside in nature! De-clutter your space. Talk about your feelings with people who will listen without judgement. Avoid negative people. Don’t engage in social media arguments. Learn to say “no” to things you don’t really want to do.
2) Physical Exercise – take your workout outdoors, especially if you don’t usually do it. Try a bike ride or a hike. Whatever it is, science says that doing it for an estimated 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of rigorous, aerobic activity per week will help keep your brain healthy.
3) Nutrition – of all the organs in our body, the brain is the one most easily damaged by a poor diet. From its very architecture to its ability to perform, every aspect of the brain calls for proper food.
4) Cognitive Fitness – one of the best ways to work out your brain is by TEACHING it new things. Try learning a new musical instrument. Take a language course. Take a computer course at the library or pick up a new hobby. And mix it up! You wouldn’t join a gym and just do bicep curls, right? Doing different types of mentally stimulating activities can exercise dormant areas of the brain and even increase blood flow to them. The standbys: reading a book or a newspaper, every day, is awesome. And even journaling is a great way to practice cognitive fitness, but, learning something new is the best way. Remember, keeping your mind active is one of the most impactful ways to delay the onset of cognitive decline. Activity that exercises the brain may build brain reserves that help to compensate for the damage caused by Alzheimer’s or other diseases. If the brain is able to compensate and keep functioning well, the onset of dementia may be delayed.
5) Sleep – Getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep a day helps with memory retention. The good news? Sleep is even easier with meditation. In fact, if you meditate in bed, chances are you will accidentally fall asleep without even trying.
If you are starting the search for in-home care or to learn more about dementia, we’re so glad you found us. We’d love to help give your loved one in-home care and a companion when you need a break. And you are looking for help for yourself, we can help with light housework, grocery lists, medication organization and errands. You’re in such good hands with Circle of Life At Home Care: 757-599-0218
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