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As we age, our brains change just like our bodies do, leading to difficulties in recalling information or learning new things. However, according to health experts, certain daily habits can influence the health of our brains and prevent premature aging. The habits we maintain, and equally importantly, those we avoid, can positively impact our cognitive abilities.
Experts have identified daily habits that could potentially accelerate the aging of our brains. Here is a list of mistakes to fix immediately:
1. Lack of social interaction: Life situations such as remote work or having a newborn make socialization challenging. However, we need robust social networks for our brain health because every time we meet a new person, we establish new connections in our brains, said Dr. Zaldy Tan, director of the Memory and Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai. Even online interactions can bolster brain health, according to Dr. Glen Finney, a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.
2. Relying solely on familiar activities to keep your brain active: We must not only activate our minds with skills we already possess but also challenge them with new learning experiences, says Finney. Learning forms fresh connections between our brain cells and helps maintain a youthful brain.
3. Ignoring chronic stress: We often carry around unconscious stress that, if not managed and released, can adversely affect our brain health, says Dr. Elissa Epel, a psychiatry professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Utilizing techniques like mindfulness and slowing our breathing can help alleviate this stress.
4. Over dependence on takeout: Fast foods are convenient but are often unhealthy in the long term. They are full of saturated fats and added sugars that, if consumed over time, can increase the risk of dementia. Balancing convenience foods with a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is advisable for maintaining brain health.
5. Poor sleep quality: Even if you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, quality matters as much as quantity. Poor quality sleep can compromise your ability to concentrate, recall information, and increase the risk of premature brain aging and dementia.
6. Lack of physical activities: Regular physical exercises promote brain health and wellness by inducing the release of growth hormones in the brain. Whether it’s a gym workout, gardening, or hiking, integrating physical activity into our lifestyles can be highly beneficial for our brain health.
Remember, we have substantial control over the health of our brains. As we age, it’s essential not to surrender but to take care of our bodies and brains to ensure healthy aging.
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