As with the other organs and systems of your body, there are things you can do to keep your brain healthy. Here is a compilation of actions, activities, and practices from a number of sources that will help keep your brain in good shape and functioning well.
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Seek mental stimulation
Learn a language, read more, read aloud, play games, take up a hobby, do calculations in your head rather than on the calculator in your smartphone. According to scientists, such activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells.
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Switch things up
Mixing things up, like switching to your other hand for routine activities like such as brushing your teeth or using your fork, can sharpen brain function. Even eating with chopsticks (if you don’t know how) will stimulate your brain. Take new routes when you drive so you are not running on autopilot.
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Get physical
Using your muscles increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Exercise spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases connections. It also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, keeps blood sugar in balance, and reduces stress. (See below.)
