Healthy Living for Healthy Brains and Bodies

We all know that we feel good when we are active, eat well and have enjoyable jobs and social lives. However, we don’t always realize how important good life style choices are for our bodies and brains. Is it possible, for example, to have “stronger” brains that help us remember and think? Can we delay some diseases and avoid others?

Many life style choices are equally beneficial for our brains and our bodies. Let’s look at some of them.

• Exercise!

Exercise improves blood flow to all parts of the body. Each time the heart beats, 25% of the blood it pumps goes to the brain to deliver nutrients and remove waste.

• Eat well!

Look for foods that are high in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and refine flours.

• Socialize!

From dinner dates to volunteer activities, being with other people gives individuals a chance to learn, problem solve, have fun, and reduce stress . . . all good for the brain and body.

• Sleep!

All people, regardless of age, need extended, fairly uninterrupted sleep to restore the body and strengthen new memories.

• Challenges!

Challenges at work, home, in the community, and with hobbies increase our feelings of wellbeing and pride (good for positive hormones) and build the capacity of our brains to remember and process.

• Monitor!

Keep track of health issues, medications, stress, alcohol consumption, and injuries to the head.