Boost Your Brain Power

Between you and me, I’m addicted to Words With Friends on Facebook.  I log in before work, during lunch, after work and prior to climbing into bed at night. (I think I may have even dreamt about it.) So, imagine my relief when I discovered that brain teasers are actually good for my health! 

According to medical professionals, word games, crossword puzzles and trivia games are activities that serve as brain boosters. Not only do they build verbal and math skills, but they also require you to tap into your spatial abilities as you move the letters around to form words. And combining more than one mental task stimulates and strengthens several neural circuits, which goes a long way toward helping to maintain a healthy brain and prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Other tips to keep the aging gray matter active and preserve a good quality of life include:

• Healthy nutrition: Consume a diet high in antioxidants to help protect brain cells. Also, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can cause confusion.
• Physical activity: Maintain a daily fitness regimen that includes activities such as biking, swimming, dancing, gardening or yoga.
• Social outlets: Do something meaningful with your time, such as joining a group or volunteering.
• Think positively: Begin your day on the right note for a feeling of well-being.
• Start something new: Challenge your brain with a new hobby or language, or research something that interests you like your family tree.

What are your favorite ways to cross-train your brain?

Written by Chris Schmidt, who continues to strive for anti-aging and anti-acne solutions on a shoestring budget, while doing what she can both nutritionally and fitness-wise to maintain her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  Find out what she’s rambling about this week at alwaysthewritetime.wordpress.com.