Boost Your Brainpower

     Recent discoveries indicate that the brain produces new cells on a daily basis. The process is especially prevalent in the part of the brain responsible for memory. We can take steps to nourish the brain cells we already have and also encourage the growth of new cells.

Go To Bed Early
     Increasing your sleep time from eight to nine hours will increase your alertness by as much as 25 percent. Well-rested people make more efficient use of their time. To ensure high-quality sleep, keep the same sleep-wake schedule every day, including weekends.

Get Active
     Exercise strengthens the heart, builds up the brain and promotes the production of new brain cells. Walking for 45 minutes for three times a week will help to improve your memory and reaction times by about 15 percent. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and blood carried oxygen and other nutrients.
     Try to do 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as running, brisk walking, swimming, or bicycling at least three times a week. Caution: check with your doctor before starting any new strenuous activity.

Learn Something New
     The brain is designed for learning. Learning new things requires brain cells to connect with other cells, which expands the brain’s overall capacity. Storing new data every day helps ensure the survival of new brain cells. Retaining and using information floods the brain with blood and the chemicals that brain cells use to communicate.
     Spend time pursuing a new mental challenge on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter how well you do – your brain will still benefit from the extra work.

Cross-train Your Brain
     For the brain to function at its best, both sides must be healthy and adequately stimulated. Expose yourself to a wide-ranging mixture of mental challenges for the best possible results.
     To stimulate the left side of the brain, do crossword puzzles and word scramblers. For right side stimulation, cultivate hobbies that require spatial skills, such as origami, knitting or chess.
     To stimulate both sides of the brain at the same time, try this: if you’re right-handed, write your name with your left hand. If that’s too easy, try writing your first name with your right hand and your last name with your left hand at the same time.

Eliminate Stress
     The effects of chronic stress on brainpower are still being studied. Stress causes the body to produce a powerful hormone known as cortisol, which temporarily impairs memory. The memory returns when the stress is eliminated. Under chronic stress conditions, with cortisone being produced daily, fewer new brain cells are produced. If chronic stress turns to depression, the brain may actually shrink.
     Invest time in the usual stress relievers, such as yoga, meditation, long walks, hot bubble baths, etc. If something tends to make you feel calm and relaxed – do it!

Watch The Numbers
     High blood pressure and high cholesterol threaten the head as well as the heart. Both conditions have been linked to Alzheimer’s.
     Diet and lifestyle changes may be enough to control any problems. If not, ask your doctor about medication.