When it comes to our health, it's really important that we consider our brain health. Here at Noggin, we’re on a mission to ensure that brain health becomes just as important as our physical and mental health.
Did you know your brain is an organ but can benefit from being thought of as a muscle? As we age its even more important that we stimulate our brain cells.
There's a reason people are not considered wise in the early years of their lives. Whilst a 17-year-old football player may have muscles larger than most full-grown men will ever achieve, his brain has not yet developed to the degree a 60-year-olds has. Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to learn and grow as you age and to maximise its potential, you have to train it regularly – the same way a bodybuilder must work their muscles.
Read on for three ways you can start to develop your brain health below.
Play Games
Challenging your mind can improve select brain skills that play a crucial role in maintaining overall brain health. Soduku, Chess, Bridge, Monopoly, Cluedo and jigsaws are all great to stimulate your brain. People who play games such as cards and board games are more likely to stay mentally sharp in later life, a study from the University of Edinburgh suggests.
Meditate
Meditation is a proven way to build clarity and serenity by letting go of stress. Consider trying an app like Calm or Headspace to help you get started. There are 12 science based benefits of meditation which you can read here.
Get Active
When you exercise, you increase your heart rate, this, in turn, increases blood flow, increasing the flow of oxygen throughout the body. It helps us release endorphins and transfer vital nutrients to muscles in the body – including the brain. Just 20 minutes of walking or light exercise can stimulate endorphins.
