Just like physical exercise builds muscle in your body, your brain strengthens when you exercise it. While spending time at home, it is important to still prioritize your mental health and keep your mind active. Taking simple steps daily to keep your brain healthy can have a significant impact over time. There are several ways you can keep your mind sharp without leaving the comfort of your home.
1. Try something new
One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is by constantly challenging it. It is important to remember it is never too late to try something new. Whether you try out a hobby, make a new recipe or learn a new language, exploring new things has no limit. A study conducted by Harvard found that speaking two or more languages, even if you learned the second language as an adult, can slow age-related cognitive decline. Challenging your brain by learning something new is a great way to support brain cell growth and keep your brain stimulated.
Get creative with what you can challenge yourself to do!
- Learn a new language
- Make a new recipe
- Build your vocabulary
- Paint a picture
- Learn to play an instrument
- Try photography
2. Puzzles
Puzzles are not only a fun pastime, but they are also great for cognitive development. Brain games such as Sudokus, crossword puzzles, chess and word searches are all helpful in keeping your brain active. These brain games can help with problem solving and memory recognition in your day-to-day life. According to a study at Cambridge University, completing at least one puzzle a week can help with processing speed, planning skills, decision-making and short-term memory. The key to keeping your brain sharp with these games is to constantly challenge yourself.
3. Stimulate all five senses
Sensory stimulation is widely used to help combat neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. You can use everyday household objects to help stimulate your five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Any activation of one or more of these senses can help with brain stimulation. Here are some ideas of how to stimulate your senses at home:
- Sight- look at art, take a nature walk, watch your favorite movie, decorate a room for the season
- Sound- listen to a new song, audiobook, poetry, or nature sounds
- Touch- experience new textures, create an at-home beach with sand and seashells
- Taste – Try a different combination of spices or flavors, bake a treat, brew a new coffee or tea
- Smell- light a new candle, spray perfume or cologne, diffuse essential oils
4. Read
Reading daily can help keep your mind fresh and sharp and help you learn along the way. Try reading a combination of different topics and genres that you may be interested in. You may be surprised by what topics you enjoy! Reading is also a great way to expand your vocabulary and help you learn new skills. You can try venturing out to poetry, cartoons, short stories, or recipes to keep the information new and exciting.
5. Write
Whether you physically write or type on a computer, taking some time to write each day can help you get creative and help with memory recall. Get innovative and write a short story, journal the details of your day, make lists of what you are thankful for, or write out your life story. You can write just for yourself or for it to be published to the world but have fun and get creative.
6. Make healthy eating choices
A healthy diet does not only impact your physical well-being and help prevent disease, but it may also keep your brain healthy. There are many different diets that can help support longevity and overall health. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is a great way to help keep your brain at its best. It can also help to limit sugar and salt and always be sure to drink plenty of water. Having a healthy mind starts with being healthy in the body and prioritizing a proper diet can make a large impact.
7. Get Some Rest
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. Research consistently shows that sleeping at least eight hours a night can help improve memory retention, alertness, and creativity. If you are not able to get your full eight hours at night, opt for a power nap in the middle of the day to help refresh your brain. Studies show that you retain 40 percent less information if you are sleep deprived, so placing importance on your rest is essential.
8. Listen to Music
Listening to your favorite tunes is not only enjoyable but can benefit memory function as well. According to a study by The National Institute of Health, music and singing can help recall memories, enhance mood, improve quality of life and aid cognitive development. You can play your favorite record or CD, or venture out to find new music on platforms like YouTube.
9. Move your body
Health benefits of exercise go far beyond physical improvements. Taking care of your body by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can be good for your heart and mind. Researchers at New Mexico Highlands University found that the foot’s impact to the ground while aerobically walking can significantly increase blood flow to the brain and support brain function.
Exercise is not limited to walking or aerobic exercise, like tennis or swimming, and can still be mentally challenging. Other forms of activity, such as gardening, gentle stretching and cleaning are some examples of at-home exercises that can get your body moving each day. If you don’t know where to start, you can set up a fitness consultation with Sun Health Wellness.
10. Take a Community Class with Sun Health Wellness
Sun Health Wellness offers a variety of classes online that you can do from the comfort of your home from any device on your schedule. Classes cover a range of subjects from general fitness courses to health and wellness topics. Explore LiveWell Classes On-Demand and see a full class schedule on the Sun Health Wellness website.
Stay Active in Your Retirement with Sun Health At Home
You can stay active mentally and physically in your retirement as a Sun Health At Home member. Along with members-only events and activities, you can enjoy the personalized support of your Wellness Coordinator. Contact one of our friendly membership counselors to learn more.
