But you may be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, ways to exercise your brain!
Brett Osborn, DO, FAANS, CSCS, a board-certified neurosurgeon.
“In other words, if your brain ages at an accelerated rate, then so does your body.
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So, treat your brain right, and you’llslow the progression of aging.”
So are you ready for a very different kind of workout?
Keep reading to learn about Dr. Osborn’s brain exercises to stay mentally sharp as you age.
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He follows them regularly to boost his brain function!
Stimulate your sense of smell.
it’s possible for you to easily accomplish this by combining essential oils in an atomizer.
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Balance on one foot for 30 seconds.
Put your balance to the testby standing on one foot for just 30 seconds.
Do this exercise on each leg for 30 seconds a day.
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“This exercises the vestibular (balance) centers of the brain,” Dr. Osborn explains.
“Why is this important?
One’s ability to do this is inversely correlated to their risk of falling, let alone death.
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Remember, the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the senior populationby faris falls.
Take it from a neurosurgeon whose practice is dedicated nearly exclusively to the management of neurosurgical trauma.”
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Perform strength training.
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So, sleep is critical to optimal brain function."
Add endurance training to your workouts.
Endurance training adds a wealth of goodness to your overall health.
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It’s not only good for your heart, but it also benefits your brain.
Try rowing or walking outside with light weights in your hands, for example.
Just yesterday, I rode my unicycle for 30 minutes, having not been on it for years.
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Have some fun with crossword puzzles.
These word games are a wonderful way to challenge your attention, memory, and ability to problem-solve.
They also promote abstract thinking.
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“In a similar context, leisure reading is healthy for the brain.
make a run at extend your reach here by reading something novel (pun intended).
That means fiction or not something related to your line of work or finance.”
Soak up some sunshine.
Being in sunlight is healthy for your brain!
In fact, Dr. Osborn says it cues your circadian rhythm, aiding your sleep-wake cycle.
Sunlight also supports vitamin D synthesis in your body, which helps both your brain and your bones!
“Vitamin D is a potent antioxidant and neuroprotectant.
It elevates our moods and accelerates our recovery from illness and other bodily insults,” Dr. Osborn explains.
“There’s a reason Florence Nightingale had solariums integrated into hospitals.
She knew instinctively that humans derived ‘energy’ from the sun.
The nurses look at me funny.
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Stay connected, and be social.
Keeping up with friends and social circles with plans and meaningful conversations help keep your mind working.
Many also live in multigenerational homes to encourage human-to-human interaction.
Socialization is part of our humanness.
