Mind
From WikiBody - The Owner's Manual For Your Body
Although this site is about taking care of your body, the mind is equally important. After all, if your mind isn't fit, what good is it to have a healthy body? The mind must be sharp, quick and able to make decisions in order to be a good caretaker of the body, as well as to use the body to its best potential.
Contents |
[edit] Continuous Learning
Challenge your mind continuously as you age, even if your job or lifestyle doesn't require it. For example:
- Work
- Reading
- Continuing Education
- Mentally challenging games
- Learning to speak a new language
- Learning to play a musical instrument
These activities can all keep your mind sharp by causing your brain cells to grow more connections with adjoining brain cells.
[edit] Varied Activities
A variety of activies, including hobbies, spending time with family and friends, going to social events, volunteering, etc. will keep your mind agile and exposed to new things.
[edit] Exercise
Exercising improves alertness, perhaps by increasing blood flow to the brain.
[edit] Stress
Managing stress will keep you energized to devote time and effort to keeping your mind sharp.
[edit] Nutrition
Avoid diets that are high in saturated and trans fats. High fat diets and obesity increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Make sure your diet includes the following:
- B-complex vitamins
- Monounsaturated fats, e.g. olive oil
- Omege-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seeds
- Antioxidant vitamins, C and E, found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
