Daily movement of at least 30 minutes is crucial to one’s overall mental balance

Everyone knows that the brain is the body’s most important organ. Aspects vital to our livelihood – memory, the ability to learn, act, have reflexes and more – all depend on its steady functioning.

Even if you’re far from old age, there are small hobbies and habits you can start taking up now in order to improve your brain’s overall workings long before you enter into senior status. Let’s take a look at some daily or weekly practices for people interested in strengthening their general mental balance, now and in the long term.

Prioritizing physical fitness each week

It’s commonly understood that exercise can help people lose weight or grow muscles, but did you know that physical fitness is also linked to improved memory and sharper thought processes? This is because when you work out, endorphins are released which help to grow more healthy cells in the brain that allow humans to stay neurologically balanced.

In the same way that your body’s muscles expand and grow through exercise, the brain also experiences the advantages of consistent work out routines. Whether you’re young or old, all movement is good movement that can have lasting beneficial effects.

Enjoying games that promote mental agility

If you’re someone who enjoys gaming in any of its forms as a fun diversion, you may be surprised to find out that some of the world’s most popular games can promote serious brain health. Particularly the play of strategy games like poker, checkers, and even Connect Four have been known to improve memory, concentration, and focus among other things.

Because each of these games force the participant’s brain to work in overtime, predicting opponents’ moves while calculating their own, they challenge the player’s mind by stimulating parts of it that are not normally used in everyday life. So whether you’re playing in an exciting virtual tournament of Texas Hold ‘em on PokerStars, competing against a friend in Checkers online, or thinking about where to drop your next peg in the digitalized version of Connect 4, your brain will thank you in the long run.

Puzzles are also a great way to exercise your brain muscles as they promote mental focus and problem-solving skills. And if you’re tackling a jigsaw piece with a group, there are even better opportunities to increase teamwork abilities. Overall, these games are fun and entertaining ways to improve brain health that can be easily incorporated into your weekly routine.

Getting a healthy amount of sleep every night

Sleep times vary depending on age, but for the average adult 7-9 hours are typically recommended. Healthy sleep cycles are crucial for the brain to operate at its maximum capacity. Just think about a time when you didn’t get enough sleep the night before and it was more difficult to tackle the day ahead. Giving your brain the rest it needs is vital for memory, concentration, decision-making, and more. Clearing out toxins and creating memories are just a few of your brain’s jobs when you sleep, so it’s important to give the organ the time it needs to replenish you for the day ahead.

Salmon specifically is a fish high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to promote brain strength and memory

Eating a holistic diet that includes fatty acids

Food is one of the greatest resources we have to keep our minds sharp and our brains healthy. The things we put in to our bodies can have great lasting effects if we know how to create a well-balanced diet with specific nutrients.

Some great “brain” foods include fruits that are high in antioxidants such as strawberries and blackberries, “fatty” fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, and leafy veggies like broccoli, kale, and spinach. Incorporating these foods into your meal plans can have great cognitive benefits and allow you to perform at the top of your game.