Promote cognitive health with these easy-to-follow activities
As a body ages, physical health is only one component of a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that cognitive health is just as important. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities all exhibit measurable declines with age.
However, certain behaviors and activities can help improve cognition.
• Being physically active. It is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, all of which can be beneficial to the brain.
• Engaging in relaxing activities. People who are depressed, sleep-deprived or anxious tend to have poor cognitive health. Engaging in activities that promote happiness and restfulness for mental health, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can be good for the brain.
• Participating in stimulating activities. Stimulating activities such as word games, gardening, dancing or playing a musical instrument, can help maintain cognitive function and enhance memory.
• Readingmoreoften. Various studies indicate that reading can promote strong mental health. In addition to keeping readers entertained or informed, reading exercises the brain. There are new words to learn, new scenarios to imagine and locations to envision. Sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work the brain in different ways, all of which are good for cognitive health.
• Makingnewrecipes. Browsing through a recipe, shopping for the ingredients, putting the ingredients together, and producing the finished product all can work the brain. Following a new recipe entails reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking.
—MetroCreativeConnection
