Imagine yourself at age 70.
Can you imagine yourself chatting with friends and reminiscing about the good old days?
Do you imagine telling your grandchildren the stupid things you did when you were 10 or 15?
Well, this kind of thing requires a sharp mind.
So if you want to maintain your senses as you age, you’d be well advised to work to maintain (and even improve) your brain health.
You don’t actually need to do much.
You need to stop these behaviors one by one.
1) Sleeping too little or too long
According to this studyLack of sleep can accelerate cognitive decline.
Of course, this isn’t all new information to most of us: We’ve been told repeatedly that we should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
But here’s something you may not know: Sleeping too much (10 hours or more) can actually be harmful. the study Sleeping too long can actually make things worse.
If you want to stay truly smart into your 60s, 70s, or even 90s, Organize your sleep.
Your brain (and body) will thank you.
2) Sitting
Do you sit in front of a computer for more than 10 hours a day?
It would be better to change this studyThere is a risk of dementia.
“But I have to work!” you may say. I understand. I work in front of a computer all day.
But don’t worry, we have good news for you: You don’t have to go crazy with exercise.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that all you really need to stay healthy is 22 minutes of vigorous exercise each day.
So go ahead. Even if you are “lazy” about exercising, keep doing it every day.
3) Say “No” to New Experiences
Do you know Doing something new stimulates the brain?
So, if you don’t want to become forgetful and boring in old age, you’d better stop doing such boring things.
I get it, life gets harder and busier, and having a set routine can be comforting and relaxing.
But every once in a while, try something new.
If you go to your favorite restaurant, order something different — or even better, go to a different restaurant.
If you have the opportunity to travel, do it.
There are plenty of them worth trying, and they’re not only good for your soul, but they also have amazing effects on your brain.
4) Hanging out with the same people
Speaking of new things…it’s about interacting with different people.
This novelty not only stimulates the brain and promotes socialization and adaptation, but also teaches us more about people and life.
And as you continue to learn, your brain gets the exercise it needs.
I’m almost 40 and have started hanging out with people much younger than me (people in their 20s) and I learn so much from them and really enjoy being with them.
I purposefully try to surround myself with people 10-20 years older than me, I love their wisdom and sense of peace.
Our brains love variety.
So, challenge yourself: try hanging out with people who are “not your type.”
It not only teaches us a lot about life but also develops an astute mind.
5) Using social media instead of reading books
On social media, everything is fast and exciting and delicious.
But while this may seem like a good thing for your brain, it actually does more harm than good.
the study Heavy social media users have been shown to be more prone to distraction and attention problems.
This can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, potentially to the point where the parts of the brain involved in maintaining concentration shrink.
I know it’s not easy, I’m a social media addict myself so I understand the struggle.
But I have to try harder.
I One-month social media detoxand it dramatically improved my social media addiction. Why not give it a try?
And buy books you actually love, not just books that seem intellectual.
Then join a book club.
Remember: the first step is the hardest. The more you keep going, the easier it gets.
6) Reliance on AI
“If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
It’s a motto you often see at gyms, but it also applies to brain health.
The more we use AI, the less we use our brains. And when we stop using our brains… you know what happens next: atrophy!
If you have Jasper write your essay or Synthesia create your video, you can be sure that your work will get done faster and your life will be easier.
But one thing is for sure: you’re not smart.
Have you noticed that kids these days have poorer handwriting? It’s probably because they’re using pen and paper less.
The same thing could happen to your brain as you become overly reliant on AI and technology.
I want to Staying sharp as you age?
Please stop asking ChatGPT everything you want. Instead, use your brain.
7) You’re not using your brain enough
according to Alzheimer’s AssociationWhile brain training activities have not been proven to treat dementia, they can significantly improve memory and thinking skills.
So if you want to recall vivid memories from your younger years when you write your memoir at age 60, you’d better get your brain working.
I do this by solving puzzles in the morning and writing in my journal at night.
My partner does this by learning how to play an instrument.
If you have the opportunity to do activities that exercise your brain, do them — and do them more often.
Sure, you might not make a dollar, and it might even just seem like a waste of time.
But these activities are just as important as food and water, especially for people in their 30s and older.
8) Stay in your comfort zone
Most of us simply stick to what works.
We create habits in our 30s, and if we’re happy with them, we stick to them until we die.
We also stick to so-so jobs, so-so relationships, so-so friends, so-so hobbies… because we’re afraid that if things go even a little wrong, it will cause unnecessary stress.
But our brains are wired to handle a little bit of stress all the time.
As kids, we learned A, B, C, 1, 2, 3. Our brains were definitely stressed out during that time… but that’s growth.
So, if you find yourself not being satisfied with your life, it’s time to challenge yourself.
If you’re bored with your job, consider looking for another one. Not only will it be rewarding, but it’ll also give your brain a workout.
Ask yourself: How can I Make life more exciting Also?
And do those things, even if they seem hard or scary at first.
9) Does not exist in the present
To gain more insight, you need to focus on the present.
How else can we notice the finer details of things around us or the nuances of the person we’re talking to?
How can we notice the way a caterpillar walks or a grasshopper eats a leaf?
We need to live in the moment.
Of course, this is not an easy task.
Even when I’m having dinner with friends, I’m constantly thinking about deadlines.
And when I’m angry or heartbroken, even if I’m in Venice or Paris, I can’t help but think about the past.
And, you know what, I regret all those times.
If only I could concentrate more, I would be able to fully appreciate what is in front of me.
So if you want to retain your insight as you get older, Learn how to be more mindful.
It’s good for your soul and your brain.
Final thoughts
Do you want to remain insightful and perceptive as you get older?
Do the same things you do to stay healthy: get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise a little.
If possible, also quit smoking and other toxic substances.
The most important thing is to make sure you’re always using your brain: trying new things, meeting new people, and above all else, playing and living in the moment.
