As we grow older, we may see changes in the ways our mind and memory continue to function. Certain cognitive processes may slow down, making it more challenging to learn new things or eliminate distractions that hinder our memory.¹

Maybe you forgot the name of an acquaintance at dinner last week—or you just can’t remember where you put your keys. Situations like this can certainly be frustrating, but fortunately, there are a number of habits and exercises you can practice to help maintain your brain function.

Here are nine tips to help keep the mind sharp:

1. Engage multiple senses.

Research reveals that the more senses you engage, the more active your brain.¹ One study had adults examine a series of neutral images, each one paired with a smell.² Later these adults were asked to look at different images (without the scent-associated pairing), and then indicate—out of all the images—which ones they’d seen before. Researchers found that participants had a better recall for the pictures that featured smells and that the brain was more active when they looked at those pictures.

So to stimulate your mind, make a point of engaging multiple senses at the same time. Sign up for a pottery class, cook aromatic foods, or take a warm bath with essential oils.

2. Aim to get enough sleep.

If you don’t get much rest, you’ll find that even simple tasks like running errands or cooking a meal take more effort than they should. Not getting enough sleep is also linked to focus issues and short-term memory problems.³

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.³ And if you’re looking for strategies that promote a full night’s sleep, check out our blog post on the subject.

3. Make exercise a top priority.

Working the skeletal muscles can also help to work the mind.⁴ Exercise not only helps stimulate and strengthen the connections between the synapses, or brain cells, but it also promotes the development of new nerve cells. This makes the brain more efficient and adaptive.⁴

And research has shown that the benefits of exercise are linked to more than just the brain. Physical activity reduces blood pressure, stabilizes cholesterol levels, and lessens mental stress.⁵ Both resistance training and cardio offer a number of benefits.

4. Consume a healthy diet.

Surely, you’ve heard the term “brain food.” Good nutrition promotes both a healthy body and a strong mind. For instance, research indicates that people who consume a Mediterranean diet of fish, unsaturated oils, produce, nuts, and other plant-based proteins are less likely to experience cognitive issues or develop dementia.⁴

If you’re looking to revamp your diet but don’t know how to navigate your options, this post highlights the differences between the ever-popular ketogenic, Atkins^®, Paleolithic, and Whole30^® diets. We’ve also showcased the link between omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil and cognitive health.

5. Enjoy a meaningful social life.

Cultivating friendships and simply getting to know new people can enhance the brain’s executive function, which includes our short-term memory and our ability to screen distractions.³ Even short conversations can help to sharpen the mind.³

And that’s not all: A fulfilling social network is also linked to lower blood pressure and a longer life expectancy.⁴ It all boils down to developing and preserving both our neurological and our social connections.

6. Reset with yoga or meditation.

In addition to relaxation, yoga and meditation are known to improve cognitive performance.⁶ By paying close attention to the thoughts, feelings, and sensations you experience, you can leverage multiple sensations at once, manage stimuli, and ultimately work your brain.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of yoga, look no further than this post. Meanwhile, here are some meditation tips for beginners.

7. Quit smoking—and steer clear of secondhand smoke.

Did you know that smoking is linked to a thinner cerebral cortex and mental decline?⁷ A number of chemicals in cigarettes have negative effects on the brain, and secondhand smoke has similar drawbacks.⁷

If you don’t smoke but spend a significant amount of time around friends or family who do, gently explain the risks and encourage them to quit.

8. Get organized.

Rather than wasting precious mental energy trying to remember things you can simply add to your calendar or grocery list, take advantage of a planner or any other organizational tool you’ve been meaning to use. This could help to increase your focus.¹

Similarly, think about removing clutter from your home and office to reduce distractions. Keeping key items like keys, glasses, and your gym bag in the same place can help to reduce the need to remember where you left these things.

9. Manage stress.

People who are depressed, stressed, or anxious generally score lower on cognitive tests.⁴ While this doesn’t necessarily point to cognitive decline, stress management tools like a healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep—tools we’ve discussed at length in this post—can keep your stress in check.

If you’re stressed and looking for strategies that promote good mental health, read this post. Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare practitioner for help if needed.

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