In order to keep your brain active even when you grow old, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition, physical activities and social interaction. There are various brain activities and games to keep it stimulated.

Here are some lists of tips to maintain an active brain:

• Start your day optimistically.

• Have a positive attitude and start afresh every day.

• Jot down things that you need to complete during the day. That would give you the motivation to manage the time and will give you a sense of accomplishment once you review the tasks that have been completed.

• If you are depressed, try and do things you like. Consult a doctor and take medication if required.

• Avoid alcohol, sedatives and excessive consumption of anti-depressants as it may make you dull and less active.

• If you have free time, volunteer for some activities and spend your time constructively.

• Pack your day with a variety of activities and refrain from monotony.

• Follow a healthy and regular routine for meals and make sure that you consume a balanced diet.

• In case you have blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol, pay extra attention to your dietary needs.

• Eat fibrous food with high anti-oxidant content to maintain a healthy brain and prevent your body from aging.

• Keep your body hydrated with adequate amount of water. Good circulation of water throughout the body is vital for brain activities.

• If you exercise vigorously, take care that you should not dehydrate as it may result in loss of concentration and cause confusion.

• Exercises like gardening, yoga, stretching, dancing, biking and walking will help you to maintain a very active brain as it increases oxygen flow to the brain cells.

• Read a variety of books, magazines and articles. Try solving puzzles and brain teasers. Trivia games could keep your brain occupied continuously.

• Learning languages, writing, following hobbies, researching on the internet can stimulate your brain further.

• Regular aerobic training can improve cognitive, physical and emotional skills.

• Try and memorize things like errands that you have to do. You can consult a list only to check whether you have completed everything.

• Play memory and word games which will help you to grasp something that you had not known before.

• Meditate when you can. Take deep breaths and relax when you feel restless.

• Eat fish, flax and hemp seeds containing omega fatty acids. This would boost your intellectual stamina.

• Try and learn a new word daily and remember its meaning.

• If you are a right-hander, try using your left hand also for some certain tasks.

• Listen to music to experience positive vibrations. Instrumental and classical music are excellent soothers.

• Stimulate your brain with creative activities like craftwork, painting and drawing which also requires a lot of imagination.

• Increase your multi-tasking capabilities.

• Engage yourself in activities which require body and mind coordination.

• Do not skip breakfast as it is vital for your brain to function effectively.

Mark Perry

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