“It’s never too late to learn something new.” This adage not only encourages you to stay enthusiastic for life, but its practical application could also allow you to keep your brain active and agile as you age. The more you exercise your brain, the better and longer it will stay healthy and young. Learning a new language, hobby or activity is great exercise for your brain. (Also read: Brain Diet: Foods to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay)

There are also simple everyday things that can keep our brains in top shape and we should never cut them out of our routine. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, a good night’s sleep, and staying socially connected with friends are basic principles we need to remember for better brain health.

Learn a new language or a new musical instrument

We all train to stay fit and something similar is needed for your brain as well. Let your brain explore unfamiliar territory by giving it the opportunity to step out of its comfort zone and learn something new.

“Try learning a language you’ve never learned before or learn a new musical instrument to keep your brain fit and healthy. Music stimulates the brain and allows people to interact in different ways”, says Dr. Shirish Hastak, Neurologist and Regional Director of Neurology, Stroke and Neurocritical Care at Global Hospital.

Draw or paint

In our quest to complete our daily tasks and achieve our daily goals, we often ignore our creative urges. Drawing helps keep our creative side alive, which could sometimes help us make unconventional life-changing decisions.

“Drawing benefits your mental health. There’s also a technique called brain mapping that can help you connect through drawing and make effective plans at work,” says Dr. Hastak.

To be able to move and sing

Over time, our learning materials become limited to watching or listening, and we don’t really apply our skills. Learning by “doing” can take a step back, which is an important aspect of keeping our brains healthy. Learning to dance, sing, and such performance-oriented activities is another way to sharpen our brains.

“The ability to move means dancing because it can improve the kinesthetic intelligence of the brain. Learn to dance and keep your brain healthy. Joining a singing class, on the other hand, is a very effective method to keep your brain healthy. health,” says Dr Hastak. .

To be curious

Don’t stop asking questions. You are never too old to know something new. Try to be curious and use metaphors when speaking. Simply maintaining curiosity like a child will keep your brain healthy and happy, says the expert.

Here are some other lifestyle changes to improve your brain health, suggested by Dr. Vipul Gupta, Head – Neurointerventional Surgery and Co-Head of Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.

Regular exercise and active lifestyle

There is a strong connection between our mind and our body. By being physically active, one can keep both healthy. Exercise has a variety of effects on the brain. It increases the heart rate, which causes the brain to receive more oxygen. It promotes the production of hormones that help brain cells thrive in a healthy environment. Walking, swimming, tennis, and any other light aerobic activity that increases your heart rate are all good options.

Quality sleep

Sleep helps keep the brain healthy by flushing out toxins that build up throughout the day. Sleep is essential for good brain health and cognitive performance. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of contracting mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Have a well-balanced diet

The shape and health of our brains are influenced by the meals we eat. A brain-boosting diet can help with both short-term and long-term memory. Your diet can help keep your brain healthy and improve specific mental activities like memory and concentration. All vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, foods rich in omega-3s, vitamins, minerals should be included in a diet throughout the day

Stay mentally active

Any activity that requires you to think, study, or network actively challenges your brain on a regular basis. These brain-boosting hobbies can help you stay in better shape. Puzzles, crosswords, sudokus, chess, card games are all activities that keep the brain engaged and active

Quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake

Oxidative stress has been associated with smoking, inhaling tobacco smoke, or passive smoking. As a result, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease/dementia increases dramatically. The brain consumes 20% of the oxygen provided by the blood. Smoking affects the structures of the blood arteries, making it harder for blood to flow freely throughout the body and brain.

Excessive alcohol consumption over time can lead to brain shrinkage. It can alter a person’s regular behavior without causing hallucinations, interfere with long-term memory, and produce dissociative symptoms. All of these factors can significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Stay socially connected

Staying socially engaged helps you stay mentally connected. According to studies, people who regularly connect with others have higher brain function than those who don’t. Socializing appears to have a preventative impact, potentially reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.