7 Unexpected ways to keep your brain sharp at any age

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 12:53

Our brain is involved in every single function of our body, from controlling our movements and speech to processing our thoughts and emotions. As a result, keeping your brain fit is just as important as working out to improve your physical health. And as there are exercises for different muscles, there are also exercises for the brain. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you will be able to improve your concentration, memory and keep a highly functioning mind longer.

Below is a list of some surprising ways to improve your cognitive functions and keep your brain sharp at any age. Aside from getting enough sleep and reading more, they also include playing card games, learning a musical instrument, maintaining an upright posture, and various other activities. Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your brain healthy as you get older.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things that you can do to keep your brain sharp. While it is tempting to get all of your work done as soon as you wake up, hurrying through tasks and remaining tired throughout the day will not do your brain any good.

Instead, try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. You will notice a significant difference in your cognitive functions if you are well-rested.

Play Card Games

Card games like bridge and poker are excellent ways to improve your mental health and cognitive functions. They require you to think ahead and plan thoroughly in order to win. As such, this will increase your focus, concentration, mental agility, and memory. You can click here to play poker online or choose any other game you enjoy. This way, you will be able to get some entertainment without leaving your house or even on the go.

In addition to playing card games, you can also try playing board games that require you to think strategically, such as chess, scrabble, and checkers.

Exercise Regularly

While exercising is good for your overall health, it is also one of the best ways to keep your brain sharp. Physical exercise increases blood flow, which helps to increase oxygen and glucose delivery to your brain. These things are essential for brain functioning. So, if you want to keep your mind healthy, make sure to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

Read More

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss

Reading is one of the best ways to keep your brain active and increase your knowledge. It can also help you fight stress and anxiety, reduce depression, and improve your vocabulary. There are so many benefits to reading that it's essential to find time to do it every day.

If you've always wanted to read more but never really had the time, try making minor changes to your daily routine that increase your reading time. For example, rather than watching TV after dinner, spend half an hour reading a book instead. You can also download apps that track how many pages you read each day. Or listen to audiobooks while you're commuting or doing chores around the house.

Practice Meditation or Yoga

Meditation and yoga have both been shown to have positive effects on brain function as well as your physical condition.

Meditation has the ability to increase focus and attention span by increasing alpha waves in the brain. It also lowers stress levels and helps you relax after a long day of work.

Yoga is another excellent way to relax your mind and body after a long day of work. It can also help to prevent mental disorders like anxiety and depression.

Maintain a Good Posture Throughout the Day

Good posture is essential for keeping your back strong, preventing injuries, and developing better overall body alignment. However, it also affects your mood and mental health. There are numerous studies that show the effect of posture on attitude and spirit – individuals that maintain good posture tend to be happier and more confident than others.

It will not only make you feel good about yourself but also help you concentrate better on whatever task you are working on at that time. And when you are focused, you are able to retain information better than when you are distracted or stressed out by something else going on around you - or a back or neck pain.

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

It is never too late to start learning to play a musical instrument. It can help increase memory and spatial-reasoning skills, improve physical coordination and hearing. Playing the guitar, piano, or another musical instrument will not only keep your brain sharp, but it is also a great way to relieve stress after a long day of work. It also links to the therapeutic properties of music in general.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your brain healthy is just as important as keeping the rest of your body fit and in shape. Being well-rested, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reading more, practicing meditation, and learning a musical instrument are all great ways to improve your cognitive functions and keep your brain sharp at any age. Fortunately, many of these activities are also enjoyable and can be done in your free time. So, if you want to enjoy better brain health and overall health, make sure to incorporate activities that challenge your brain into your daily routine.