In times like these that we are going through, with the stress, anxiousness, and anxiety we may or may not be feeling, it is taking a toll. Whether we feel as if we are, physically, mentally, emotionally, the entire body and mind are affected.
Focusing on our physical health with exercise and diet; focusing on our emotional health with our breath and body movements, and coming into stillness to hear the breath and listen to the body; and what can we do for our mental health? We can start with turning the tv off of the news and give our brain a break from the overload of mostly negative.
We can also do drills to stimulate the brain, especially if we are unable to have the stimulation we normally get from social interactions.
Strengthening the body is so important. But along with the body, the mind needs to be strengthened too. Exercise is linked to boosts in cognitive functioning, like improving memory, attention, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Exercise is the foundation of positive brain chemistry. And that leads directly to a heightened immune system, better sleep, weight loss, insulin regulation and fat burning, dramatic resistance to heart attack, stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, Osteoporosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and depression.
Exercise improves cognitive performance and active lifestyles decrease age-related risks for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Since we are living longer, the need to avoid symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise. Now is the time to keep the mind as sharp as a tack, and ensure it stays that way.
The uniqueness between the brain along with activities such as learning another language, or listening to music and/or playing an instrument encourage using both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously.
Here are a few more suggestions from “Brain games for the elderly that improve mental health and memory” from November 20, 2017
Arts and Crafts
Word puzzles
Bingo
Online games
Logic puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles
Sudoku
Trivia Games
Chess
Learn a new language
Brain games on the computer or phone
These, plus so many more things you can do…have fun, keep the mind sharp, and stay engaged every day!
Take care..and stay happy, healthy, and confident always!
Meredith
Fun Game: Stroop effect, where the right and left brain try to contradict the other side for the answer;)
