6 tips to boost your cognitive well-being
Our brains have to do an enormous amount of work every day! However, through certain activities and good lifestyle habits, we can stimulate brain functions. This is how you help keep your brain young and healthy. No better way to start 2024! Discover 6 scientifically-backed tips.
The brain remains constantly active, even when we sleep. However, there are certain things we can do to improve our memory, our cognitive functions, and our creativity – and this in the long term. Here are six tips recommended by Harvard University: together they can give your brain a boost!1
1. Eat plenty of plant-based food
Research has shown that you can keep your brain young for longer if you choose a 'green' Mediterranean diet based on plant products (plenty of green vegetables, nuts, and berries, foods rich in polyphenols...), while limiting foods high in saturated fats and other animal products. Just ensure you maintain a balanced diet.2
2. Exercise to stimulate your brain
Physical exercise offers many health benefits for the body, but also for the mind – regardless of your age or physical abilities! Exercising regularly improves thinking and learning abilities, stimulates problem-solving skills, and contributes to emotional balance. As a result, exercise reduces stress among other things, which also has an impact on the well-being of your brain.3
Furthermore, moving regularly can also ensure a better night's sleep, which in turn is good for your brain.3
Exercise, nutrition, brain gymnastics, social interaction... There are many tricks to give your brain a boost!
3. Keep control of stress, a cause of brain aging
Research has shown that people with increased stress levels have a 37% higher risk of aging of their cognitive functions (memory, concentration, and learning disorders). This illustrates how important it is to counter stress by removing the source of stress, getting sufficient relaxation, and maintaining an appropriate lifestyle.4
4. Ensure a good night's sleep to boost your cognitive functions
Those who get sufficient hours of quality sleep are generally more attentive and more concentrated, which is necessary for most learning processes. Sleep also promotes other cognitive aspects, namely memory, problem-solving ability, creativity, processing of emotions, and judgment. Without a proper night's sleep, your brain will have trouble functioning correctly, with the risk of neuron overload.5
5. Maintain your social contacts for a healthy mind
Social interaction can lead to a better mood and a greater sense of happiness. Social relationships also play a key role in maintaining good cognitive health. Research has also shown that social engagement and social activities are the most important factors for better cognitive health in people at risk of premature brain aging.6,7
6. Don't forget your brain gymnastics!
Certain types of activities can be good for your brain health. Learning something new is a way to keep your brain sharp and constantly challenge it. You could, for example, learn a new language, play a musical instrument, or try out a new hobby. You can also use your non-dominant hand, for instance while eating. That is an excellent way to increase your brain activity. Finally, brain games such as puzzles and memory exercises can also help keep your brain healthy.8
Scientific references
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