Brain health is as important as physical

Over the past few decades neuroscientists have discovered that our brain is capable of adapting, healing, rewiring and even renewing itself. We can make changes which positively impact the health of our brain, and science has given us some interesting ways to do this.

Studies found that juggling improves connections in areas of the brain involved in visual and motor activity, even weeks after they stopped. This is because juggling is a complex skill that is out of our day to day activities.

These types of tasks that require concentration are associated with lower risk of dementia not to mention a fun new activity to try this lockdown! And no, we don’t expect you to take up juggling so, here are some other activities that will have the same positive impact on the health of your brain.

DANCING

Dancing is great at training physically and mentally as it requires coordinating moves or routines and using your concentration skills to achieve the desired outcome, not to mention it’s super fun! Dancing tests your memory, coordination, spatial recognition, and helps develop new neural connections.

KICKBOXING

If dancing isn’t your style, try kickboxing.

Exactly the same effect, the different combinations of kicks, jabs and hooks tests your brain whilst giving you that physical benefit.

MINDFULNESS

A tale as old as time, we’ve said it before but we’ll say it again; Mindfulness isn’t a fad, it is backed by scientists as being one of the most beneficial things for our mental health. Meditation pulls you back into the present moment which leads to raised mood, increased concentration, improved memory and a decrease in emotional outbursts.

SLEEP

Well isn’t this one good news! For all you bed lovers out there you can sleep even easier knowing that it is necessary for your brain health. Poor sleep, or lack of sleep reduces your brain volume causing it to shrink. The areas of the brain that deal with balance, language, maths and decision making are mostly affected with lack of sleep. Sleep repairs and restores brain function so getting between 7 and 8 hours a night will give you optimal restoration, leaving you feeling energised and alert. If you do have trouble sleeping, it’s important to talk to your doctor to diagnose if there are any other underlying problems.

Overall, any exercise trains your brain as well as your body. Try including compound moves into your weight lifting sessions and mix up your workouts to keep your brain engaged each time. Exercise increases heart rate, so more oxygen is pumped to the brain, and it releases happy hormones too which improves sleep, mood, and reduces levels of stress and anxiety.

If you haven’t already, it’s a perfect opportunity to try new workouts, improve your physical health and train that brain!