Because there are so many recommended ways to improve your health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One reaction – especially when confronted with broccoli or a treadmill – is to simply be delinquent about it, choosing the television over hard work.
A practical approach is to focus on the things you would like to do anyways. We compiled a list of fun things you can do, which generally seem to be good for the brain. Remember that this is not comprehensive – there are other components critical to a healthy lifestyle – but these are some pain-free ways to brain gain.
1. Take a vacation – Stress adds up over time, eventually weakening the immune system and impairing learning and memory. When hormones released during stress are elevated for extended periods of time they can be destructive to neurons. So escape from work, to-do lists, and anything else bringing you down to refresh your brain before it takes too much abuse.
2. Party! – Socializing and staying close with friends and family is good for your health, longevity, and brain function. People with close relationships have a stronger support network that helps them deal with emotional distress, prolonging brain health. One study found that married men live nearly 10 years longer than single men.
3. Sleep like it’s Sunday – Most of us don’t get enough shut-eye, which hurts cognitive performance and health. When tired, we think slower, have more difficulty concentrating, and are worse at remembering things. Forget your guilt about hitting the snooze button – it’s there to make you smarter.
4. Play hard – Aerobic exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and brain. The brain relies on a strong heart to supply it with enough blood to function at full speed, and a good blood supply helps the brain withstand the abuses of age and disease. In addition, running might actually increase the production of new brain cells. If the treadmill’s not your friend find something you enjoy (skiing, hiking, Frisbee, surfing, speed golf, ping pong). You’ll do it more often and more intensively if you’re playing instead of exercising.
5. Buy your brain a drink – A little bit of alcohol seems to actually be good for your brain. Moderate consumption (1-2 glasses/day) of alcohol increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lowers blood pressure, both of which benefit the brain. Red wine also contains resveratrol and flavanoids, which may help protect neurons from damage.
6. Eat chocolate – Cocoa beans contain the flavanol epicatechin and antioxidants, each of which seems to be good for your brain. Animal research suggests that chocolate can even improve memory. You’ll still need a well-balanced diet (including vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish), but a piece of dark chocolate is perhaps the sweetest step to a healthier brain.
7. Don’t get hit in the head – Boxing and too many soccer headers bang up your brain, potentially leading to drooling and incoherent stories from the glory days. Repeated impacts and brain jostling increase your chances of developing dementia. Finally, an excuse give up the fistfights and head butting.
8. Play Games – Tasks that tax your brain can help keep it sharp, and challenging games are one good way to do it. Some games are better than others, and a few, such as Lumosity, were developed specifically for building cognitive performance.
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