It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you about brain health. We know that following a healthy lifestyle will support cognition as you age. However, today I want to dive a little deeper and offer some suggestions to remind you that there are conscious decisions you can make to help your brain remain agile during your golden years.
“Focus on Brain Health,” an article in the April AARP Bulletin, highlights AARP’s continuing efforts to help older Americans keep their brains sharp and healthy. The most significant takeaway is there’s a lot you can do right now to improve brainpower.
Cognitive decline is NOT inevitable!
I have always stressed seven components that support longevity: Proper nutrition, getting restorative sleep, maintaining a regular fitness routine, nurturing loving relationships, creating a toxic-free home environment, giving back through community service, and pursuing your dreams and passions.
While these components are crucial to enjoying overall health and wellness, a lifestyle that includes lifelong learning is vital to staying mentally fit. AARP’s Staying Sharp Program emphasizes the importance of new habits for better long-term brain health. One of their Six Pillars of Brain Health is “Engage Your Brain.” What new habits are you practicing?
I’d like to encourage you to regularly challenge your brain — and here are some ways to do so:
• Sign up for engaging online or in-person classes
• Learn a new language
• Teach a new skill to someone else
• Discover new recipes, and invite friends over to enjoy your creations
• Take up a new sport at your local park district or YMCA
• Plan a road trip to a new destination, and book visits to local attractions
• Learn to play a new musical instrument
• Hike a new path, and create a photo journal to share on social media
• Organize a book club centered around a hobby or passion
While committing to a healthy lifestyle will help you stay youthful, continuous learning will promote whole-brain functioning and keep you relevant and ageless.
This is the perfect time to chase your interests. Do what makes you smile and taps a powerful emotional chord. Remember the four Spiritual LIFE Principles™ I introduced earlier this year? Reactivate Love, Integrity, Faith and Enthusiasm. This is the season to begin living your best life. Express compassion for yourself, get excited about your future — and keep your brain healthy!
Consider This
Stay informed about brain health. To learn more about AARP’s Staying Sharp and the Global Council on Brain Health, click here.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to stay mentally sharp.
• Begin by checking out new learning opportunities in your community.
• How will creating a plan to increase your brainpower keep you active and relevant as you age?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help creating a wellness plan that focuses on brain health?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.