BRAIN BOOSTERS TO KEEP YOU BALANCED.

My brain function isn’t what it used to be. Since treatment and all those surgeries my short term memory gets fuzzy, I forget simple words and names for objects. I don’t totally forget, but I do need to reach deep to find the word (no it’s not Alzheimer’s). Sometimes it’s age that has our heads fuzzy and sometimes it’s illness, a little brain stimulation balanced with feel good activities will ensure you keep the grey matter in tip top condition. Here’s ten tips to keep your brain active and memory sharp.

1-power nap. A half hour power nap is all you need to feel refreshed but too much longer with your head on the pillow and you run the risk of being even more foggy.

2- practice a mini meditation. Fifteen minutes is all you need. If you have trouble falling into meditation mode then pop in some ear buds and listen to a guided meditation. Find them on iTunes.

3- eat fish. One weekly seafood meal can slow cognitive decline by ten percent per year. Choose good oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel or tuna.

4- Limit your alcohol intake. There’s a medical link between loss of brain function and excess alcohol consumption so take it easy and steer clear of binge drinking.

5- pick up a book. Yes, grab a novel and let the words feed your brain while the storyline feed your soul.

6- pucker up! Uhuh, some hot ‘n steamy action will get the blood pumping, heart racing and if you’re lucky a few extra calories may get burnt off LOL. Some sexy action triggers the feel good hormone dopamine…so go get sexy!

7- grab a cup of liquid gold. Yes, permission to grab a coffee to get the brain stimulated, just a bonus it tastes so good. So grab your Nespresso or head out to your favourite café for a cup of liquid gold.

8- get your heart pumping. Half an hour of exercise every day releases good endorphins, gets the blood pumping and is great for mobility and joints. Walk, swim, ride…whatever you like, just move it…or lose it.

9- do some puzzles. Word searches (love them!), Sudoku, jigsaws…whatever your fancy is using your brain often will keep it in tip top shape. There’s so many apps and games you can download onto your smartphone or tablet that are portable and can be played anywhere, anytime.

10- get your craft on. Knitting, crochet, drawing, painting, any kind of craft will do. A good mix of brain function and relaxation will do wonders for your overall health.

I don’t know about you but I reckon I’m going to give number 6 a try. What’s your best tip for keeping your brain ticking over?

Til next time,

Jen x