“use it or lose it.” You might have heard of this wise saying, and this is absolutely applicable for your brain health. As you need to exercise your body, you need to boost your brain too. Interestingly, brain training is all the rage these days. Though customized brain training may sound misleading and exaggerated, many researchers suggest that certain types of activities are beneficial for our optimal brain health.
The science behind brain exercise
Today, we know that adults who are older than 65 are the fastest-growing demographic group, which will reach 20% of the world population by 2030. Hence, maintaining a sharp mind is a top priority for them. Also, this is a fact that back from 2000 years, it is believed that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body, and the benefits of exercise beyond physical health is not a new idea either.
As per CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), we daily need 30 minutes of physical exercise five days a week to promote good health. But is this a good dose for our brain? Well, we don’t know that yet. However, we can definitely say that aerobic exercise, resistance training, and mind-body exercises are all associated with evidence supporting brain health benefits. A diverse practice is essential to maintain the building blocks of our body and soul. Though there is no “one size fit” for all, some of the brain exercises mentioned in the next section will help everybody.
Physical exercise boosts the number of blood vessels while increasing brain volume and decreasing age-related brain atrophy. Additionally, more localized effects in brain areas related to thinking and problem solving have also been reported, such as a boost in the number of new nerve cells and increases in proteins that help these neurons survive and thrive.
Related post – Why a wellness routine is a priority amidst pandemics?
Exercises for the optimal brain health
Draw a memory map
Take a test of your memory. Try challenging your brain to draw a map of your locality. Pen down major and minor streets, side roads, landmarks, shops in your map, and compare it with the actual map. How much right are you? This particular exercise activates different parts of your brain.
Use your non-dominant hand
This is an exciting brain exercise where you can use your non-dominant hand for writing or work to strengthen your mind. As per the neurobiologists, this is a very effective brain exercise as well mind game. Besides, this is challenging too. Eating dinner while using a non-dominant hand to write something is no matter of joke.
Socialize
It is proven that socially active people are at a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Socializing tends to engage multiple areas of the brain, and many social activities also include physical elements. Socialization may be of different forms. It can be joining any volunteer opportunity, joining a club, staying in close touch with friends and family.
Meditate
Meditation has received significant consideration for its effectiveness, and that is not new. It is age-old. Mindfulness meditation is all the rage at the moment. Meditation can help improve attention, focus, empathy, and even immunity. Studies also suggest that meditation might even increase the capacity of working memory.
Get into Strength Training
Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders. Lifting weights or using a resistance band not only builds muscle and strengthens bone; it can boost brain power, improve mood, enhance concentration and increase decision-making skills.
Final verdict
Nowadays, many brain training games, apps, and websites claim that they can improve your brain health in a customized way. This is a debatable matter. Many claims that their programs can computerize brain exercises to increase mental flexibility, keep you mentally sharper as you age, and make you intelligent. If you think this can really help you, you can sign up for such programs. However, following the traditional ways is always much better.