Keep Your Mind Sharp as You Age

As you age, you may start to feel like your brain is aging right along with your body. This is especially true if you find yourself constantly forgetting things. There are several ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age, so keep reading to find out how to keep your brain sharp for years to come. 

 

Don’t Stop Learning

 

A big mistake that people make as they start to age is that they think they don't have to learn anymore. This is never the case. Learning helps to keep the brain fresh, young and building new pathways. If you want to keep your mind sharp, you should try to learn something new every day. The best and easiest way to do this is by downloading a word of the day or language learning app you actively engage with every morning. 

 

Play Brain Teasers

 

You've probably seen a commercial or two about how brain teasers can help keep your mind from aging, and the people who created these games might just know what they are talking about. According to Psychology Today, working your mind every day helps keep it active and keep yourself from forgetting things. So take the time to find a brain teaser game that you enjoy, and aim to spend an hour on it every day. You may just be surprised at the results. 

 

Don't Be Afraid To Use Organization Tools

 

A Harvard Health article points out that people grow more forgetful as they age but refuse to use the tools provided to keep them organized. You probably have a more complex life with more people in it now than you had a decade ago. It's only reasonable that there's no shame in using a planner (or app) to keep track of all the birthdays and important days you need to remember. Take the time to get organized around your house as well. This way, you will waste less time worrying about things that ultimately don't matter (like where your keys are.) This organization allows you to direct your brain power where it counts!

 

If you want to keep your mind sharp as you age, then make it a point never to stop learning. You could also consider working brain teasers into your everyday life. And if you need to use some tools along the way, don't be ashamed. That's what they are there for—to help keep your mind working at its best!

 

How Learning New Things Helps Our Brain

Learning something new isn't easy and facing challenges regularly can really take a lot of your energy. However, learning new things is good because it benefits your brain. Keep reading to learn more about how learning new things help your brain. 

 

Learning Programs the Brain

 

First and foremost, according to Psychology Today, learning is actually the way that your brain gets its programming. Think of it this way, when your computer needs an update, you download new software. This download is the same as learning something new. When you learn new things, your brain updates itself, clears out bugs and becomes better than before. So why wouldn't you want a brain running on the latest program? 

 

Keeps Dementia Away

 

Another major thing that learning accomplishes is it keeps your brain running in tip-top shape. When your brain is in tip-top shape, this means, according to Healthline, that you are less likely to suffer from conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. Like any muscle in your body, the brain needs to be worked out regularly, and if it isn't worked out, it will begin to atrophy. Don't let your brain atrophy, and commit to learning new things every day!

 

You’ll Be Able to Adjust to Change Better

 

Change is a hard part of life, but it is something that everyone must learn to deal with at some point or another. The more you learn new things, the easier it will be to accept change. This is because learning helps you become familiar with unfamiliar subjects and get used to stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you are one of those people who struggle with change, you should probably start by learning something new!

 

You’ll Learn Faster

 

The coolest thing about your brain is that the more frequently you learn new things, the fasted your brain begins to learn! This means that learning new things in your free time can help other aspects of your life. Say you take a pottery class on the weekends; chances are, it will become easier to learn new things you need to do your job. Who doesn't want to learn faster than they did before?

 

Overall, learning new things can be a challenge, but it is a necessary part of life. Learning new things helps program your brain and keeps dementia away as you age. It makes it easier for you to accept change, and you'll begin to learn even faster, which will benefit all aspects of your life. So embrace new things and start making it your goal to learn something every day!

 

Lifelong Learning Can Help Keep You Sharp

As you age, it's time to start thinking about how you can keep your brain sharp. One of the best ways you can keep your mind fresh is by committing to lifelong learning. 

 

You’ll Enhance Your Brain

 

Just like any other muscle in your body, your brain is a muscle that needs frequent use to stay sharp. You can do this with lifelong learning, which means you aim to learn something new each day. One of the best ways to do this is enrolling in a class you've always wanted to take or studying a new language and practicing each day.

 

You Won’t Be Bored

 

One of the main reasons your brain loses its sharpness is boredom. When you walk a path of lifelong learning, this fights boredom and keeps your mind sharp. And the best part is, you won't have to deal with feelings of boredom which could lead to other emotional issues down the line!

 

You Will Sleep Better

 

When you spend too much of your life inactive and bored, this can lead to issues sleeping. Instead, when you aim to maintain lifelong learning, this will help your mind to stay engaged during the day, then better disengage at night, which means you will sleep better as a result. And who doesn’t want to sleep better at night?

 

You Will Connect Better With Others

 

A major factor in aging is the importance of maintaining your social circle, as this can help keep you happy and healthy. This can be hard to do if you don't have common interests or things to discuss. Lifelong learning can help with this as it can help you connect with new people who share your interests and maintain old friendships you may have already created. Learning helps expand your mind to connect with others better, and it gives you more to talk about to keep them around!

 

Overall, no matter how you look at it, lifelong learning is an important part of keeping your mind sharp. This is because lifelong learning enhances your brain, keeps you from boredom, and helps you sleep better. Not only that, but it will help you to connect better with others, making it a winning situation for everyone involved. Therefore, it's time to take the leap and make lifelong learning part of your routine today!

 

Staying Young Through All Your Years

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the experience and wisdom that comes as we get a bit older. Even looking at those grey hair or fine lines can give you a feeling of fulfilment.

 

However, what most people dread about aging isn’t just looking old; it’s also feeling old. Everybody wants to avoid all those aches, pains, and cognitive decline that sometimes accompany old age.

 

Yet, we’re here to tell you about some expert-approved strategies that can help you look and feel young, healthy, and vibrant.

 

Let’s get started.

 

1. Meditate Daily

 

Constant surges of cortisol and adrenaline take a heavy toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health. They’re also one the biggest instigators of chronic diseases, like depression, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and dementia.

 

An effective way to slow down the effects of stress hormones is by meditating. You can do it for just five minutes a day for an hour, depending on how much time you have and your skill level.

 

The most important part of meditation is breathing deeply and avoiding pushing away thoughts that pop into your mind. If you do get any thoughts, simply accept them, then go back to your breathing.

 

Some people also repeat a mantra, such as a certain word, phrase, prayer, or a simple hum. Mantras are known in the meditation world as ‘a relaxation response’ to the stressors of the outside world.

 

2. Volunteer Often

 

Helping others is a great way to stay young at heart. Studies show that when we help others, whether it’s a stranger or your best friend, our brain releases oxytocin. This ‘feel-good’ hormone enhances your mood and counteracts the effects of the stress hormone cortisol.

 

Volunteering also gives you a sense of purpose, boosting your self-esteem and making you feel good about yourself.

 

Another benefit of volunteering is that you get to meet new people who share similar interests. It also strengthens your support network and boosts your ties to the community.

 

3. Exercise Regularly

 

The great thing about exercise is that it doesn’t have to be grueling hour-long sessions at the gym. It can be as calming as doing some yoga or tai-chi. Both are designed to help reduce stress while strengthening your muscles.

 

There’s even been research done on their ability to rejuvenate the immune and digestive systems. Not only that, but physical exercise is great for boosting brain power as well.

 

So, they’re good for keeping your mind and body young. Other types of anti-aging workouts include:

 

• Walking

• Low-impact cardio routines

• Standing calf raises

• Swimming

• Arm and leg crosses

 

4. Eat Right

 

One of the best ways to feel and look young through all your years is to eat the right types of food. Certain foods contain the vitamins and minerals we need to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.

 

Pomegranates, berries, leafy veggies, and nuts are all great examples of what health experts refer to as ‘superfoods.’ They recommend we eat these foods daily because they contain high levels of antioxidants and amino acids, as well as loads of vitamins and minerals.

 

When taken in the right amounts, they help you sleep better, boost your immune system, and improve your memory!

 

5. Stay Hydrated

 

Drinking water and other healthy beverages throughout the day helps keep your cells supple and healthy. People who drink large amounts of water throughout the day tend to have fewer wrinkles and soft lines than those who don’t.

 

Some drinks, such as green tea, have the potential to lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Even more impressive is that several studies show that drinking at least one cup a day can help boost your concentration and memory and keep your brain sharp.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Staying young through all your years is easy if you follow these tips. The important thing is to stay young at heart, adopt a positive mindset, and never stop learning.

3 Simple Ways to Recharge Your Body

When it comes to being productive, your body is just as important as your brain. If you don’t care for your body, you’ll have a hard time finding the motivation to get through your day. You’ll experience decreased energy and be more likely to feel sluggish and tired. 

 

The best way to get back into your normal productive routine is to recharge your body. You’ll find it easier to tackle your work with motivation and you’ll be able to give your full attention to all of the projects on your plate. While there are many ways you can recharge, here are three of the most popular ways.

 

Take a power nap.

 

A power nap is a short nap that enables you to wake up feeling refreshed. The trick with a power nap is the timing. If you don’t nap long enough, then you may feel groggy upon waking. If you nap too long, then you’ll have a tough time getting to sleep when it’s bedtime.

 

Many people find that the best length of a power nap is between fifteen and twenty minutes. For even better results, stick to a regular nap schedule. Most doctors advise taking your power nap in the middle of the day. This will allow you to get the benefits of a power nap without it wrecking your sleep cycle.

 

Treat yourself to a massage.

 

Many business owners spend a significant part of their day in front of a computer. When you sit all day like this, it’s easy to overwork the muscles in your neck and shoulders. That’s why it can be helpful to get a shoulder or neck massage. 

 

Besides helping your muscles, a massage is an excellent way to increase your blood circulation and getting one will make you feel more alert. It’s also helpful if you suffer from chronic pain due to a medical condition like fibromyalgia or arthritis. You can opt for a day trip to the local spa or you could find a massage therapist online through a website like American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

 

Go on a mini retreat.

 

A retreat is a chance to withdraw from everything around you. It gives you the space to reflect on your priorities and sort through your emotions. A mini retreat might be just what your body needs if you’ve been experiencing a difficult time such as the diagnosis of an illness, the loss of a loved one, or another catastrophe.

 

Your mini retreat doesn’t have to last long. You can choose to have your own private retreat for just a few hours. Try to pick a place or a series of places that you can go where you feel safe and comfortable. For some people, a safe place might be a library, church, or museum. 

 

Remember that in many ways your body is like your car. It can get you to your destination but it does need regular care and maintenance in order to operate well.

 

Journal Your Thoughts

 

• What are some warning signs that you’re about to burnout? What are some activities that will recharge you and prevent burnout?

• What's your favorite way to re-charge?

• How often do you schedule time to re-charge? If you don't, how can you work 'recharge time' into your day?

 

Achieve Inner Peace and Focus with These 6 Strategies

It’s difficult to stay productive when your brain is buzzing. You have so many ideas and thoughts in your head that it’s tough to focus on your to do list. But you don’t have to let the mental noise ruin your productivity. You can quiet your brain by doing a few simple things then you’ll be able to return to work with focus and clarity.

 

Start a journal. 

 

When your mind is buzzing, try writing down your thoughts in a journal. This exercise will help you empty your mind so that your brain is free to focus again. Once you’ve finished with your thoughts, write about the benefits that finishing your tasks for the day will bring you. By writing about your tasks, you’ll be able to sort through and pick which ones are the most important to you.

 

Try coloring.

 

Coloring for half an hour is a great way to let go of mental clutter. Allow your thoughts to come as you focus on the design of your coloring sheet. Besides helping calm your brain, coloring also allows you to get into a creative mindset. That makes it a great activity if you’re trying to come up with a solution to a problem or seeking inspiration for a project you’re working on. If you dislike coloring, you might try doodling instead. You’ll still get the same benefits as coloring.

 

Practice yoga.

 

Yoga is another great way to calm your mind. It’s effective because it allows you to get fully in tune with your body. If other thoughts try to interrupt you, push them away and focus on your current pose. You don’t have to buy an expensive DVD to practice yoga. There are many yoga videos available for free on YouTube.

 

Take a walk.

 

Taking a walk, even a short one, is helpful when your brain is buzzing. Not only does walking get you away from your desk, it’s also a great way to relieve stress. You can powerwalk or jog if you prefer that to a leisurely pace. But be choosy with your location. Busy streets can make it hard for you to focus and relax. Instead, opt for quiet streets or walk at local park that you enjoy visiting.

 

Meditate.

 

Meditation is a quick way to calm your mind and body. Get into a comfortable position and focus on your breathing. Take slow breaths and feel your body move as you inhale and exhale. Release any conscious thoughts as they come to you. If you’re new to meditation, it can be helpful to choose an object or word to focus on during your session. 

 

Take a hot bath.

 

A hot bath is the perfect way to calm an overactive brain. Besides helping you relax, a warm bath can also improve circulation and ease tense muscles. After you’re finished soaking, try to take a quick shower with lukewarm or cold water. This wakes your body up and energizes you so that you’re ready to tackle the rest of your to do list.

 

When your brain is buzzing, don’t try to work despite it. Instead, acknowledge how you feel right now and try one of the exercises listed above. Then you’ll be able to return to work with a focused mindset.

 

Journal Your Thoughts

• When you're overwhelmed, what helps you relax the most?

• Do you find yourself frequently flitting from task to task without accomplishing anything? What do you think is causing this?

• How can you create a system that lets you capture and organize your ideas?

 

4 Refreshing Drinks to Rehydrate Your Body and Boost Your Brainpower

Do you feel fatigued while you’re working? Do you frequently experience headaches or dizziness while you’re building your business? Do you find yourself feeling like your brain is in a haze as you struggle to think clearly?

 

These symptoms might sound scary at first. But they’re often caused by a simple medical condition known as dehydration. Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have enough fluid. As a result, you may feel tired and achy. You can experience dry mouth, headaches, and even dizziness as a result of your dehydration. 

 

The good news is that it’s easy to fix dehydration. You just need to drink a few glasses of liquid. Water is the best choice to rehydrate your system. Other beverages like coffee and soda contain caffeine, which can further dehydrate you. That’s why you should opt for water if at all possible.

 

But what if you hate the taste of water?

 

While some people believe water has no taste, others insist that it does have a boring flavor. If that describes you, then try one of these healthy options to mask the flavor of your water. You’ll still get the health benefits of drinking but without the taste you dislike.

 

Water and Lime

 

Lime is a great way to add flavor to your water. This mild citrus fruit is filled with Vitamin C and cancer fighting flavonoids. If you’re really craving a sweet taste, consider adding one teaspoon of raw honey to your lime water.

 

Cucumber and Apple Water

 

Combining cucumber and apple will give your water a sweet, refreshing taste. Cucumbers are an excellent source of several B vitamins while apples are known to fight diseases like Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Green Tea

 

If you’re still not a fan of water after trying to natural flavors provided by nature, then opt for green tea. Not only can green tea help rehydrate your body, scientists believe that it helps the body burn fat naturally.

 

Fresh Mint Tea

 

Like green tea, peppermint tea also boasts many health benefits. It can be useful in preventing nausea and reducing painful stomach cramps. Another advantage of drinking peppermint tea is that it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. If you have an autoimmune disease like arthritis, then it may be helpful to drink peppermint tea regularly.

 

When it comes to staying productive, your hydration level makes a huge difference. If you’re poorly hydrated, you won’t feel as well and your work may suffer. But drinking more water and tea throughout the day will help prevent this. As a result, you’ll feel energized and alert throughout the day.

 

Journal Your Thoughts

• Are you drinking enough regularly to prevent dehydration?

• How can you add more water and tea into your daily routine?

• What are some unhealthy drinking choices that you're making? Could you replace one of these choices with a healthier alternative?

 

5 Energy Boosting Snacks to Recharge

If you’re a business owner working from home, you probably have easy access to all sorts of foods. From the pantry to your desk drawer, it’s easy to keep treats on hand when you work for yourself. It can be tempting to indulge your sweet tooth between meals or eat several servings of your favorite salty snacks in the afternoons.

 

But in order to keep your energy level up throughout the day, you need to choose healthy snacks. Healthy snacks are easier for your body to digest and can help you stay productive. These are the best foods to reach for when you start feeling hungry and need a quick snack.

 

Green Smoothies

 

Smoothies are an excellent way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Not only will a smoothie nourish your body, it’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals. But read the labels for the green smoothies that are on store shelves. Some of them have added sugars or other ingredients that aren’t as healthy for you. Try to compare two or three brands to find the smoothies that taste the best and are the most nutritious.

 

Eggs

 

Eggs aren’t just for breakfast. They also make a great snack for fending off your mid-day munchies. Eggs are naturally packed with protein so you’ll feel full longer. There are many ways you can make eggs but one of the simplest ways is to hard-boil a few, peel them, and leave them in the fridge. Then next time you’re craving a snack, grab an egg. 

 

Soups with Legumes

 

Legumes are vegetables that are encased in a pod or shell, like green beans and peas. Legumes are rich in fiber, which prevents blood sugar spikes. When it comes to soups, it’s best to go homemade if possible. But if you decide to purchase ready-made soup, try to look for a low sodium option since sodium is a preservative that’s abundant in processed foods.

 

A healthy chocolate fix

 

Maybe it’s been one of “those kind of days” and you really just need a quick chocolate fix. Instead of reaching for your favorite brand of chocolate, try a healthier alternative like a chocolate banana smoothie. You still get the taste of chocolate but you also get the health benefits of a banana.

 

Fruit and Yogurt

 

Indulge your sweet tooth with a bit of fruit and yogurt. Yogurt is made from milk, which is a good source of protein. You might be tempted to grab a yogurt from the store shelf that already contains fruit. But that type of yogurt is likely to have added preservatives and extra sugar. That’s why it’s best to opt for plain yogurt and mix in your own fresh fruits. 

 

Running a business isn’t always easy. But eating healthy should be. Keep in mind that you don’t have to make everything from scratch. There are plenty of ready-made snacks that you can buy at your local grocery store. Compare labels on different products to make sure that you’re picking the most nutritious one.

 

Make your healthy snacks easy to reach for. Store the ingredients you need for a smoothie next to your blender. Pre-cut your vegetables so you can just grab a serving and mix in some yogurt. In order to stay productive, you need to give your body healthy foods.

 

Journal Your Thoughts

• What snacks do you reach for when you want a treat?

• How do you feel about your current eating habits? What could you do to improve them?

• Do you keep healthy foods on hand? Why or why not?

3 Reasons Why You Can't Get Into Productivity Mode

When it comes to running your own business, there’s always something productive you can be doing. But some days, you may find it difficult to get into your normal work rhythm. You may feel distracted and struggle to focus on your tasks. You may experience headaches or dizziness. You might also be feeling fatigued.

 

Instead of giving up and watching Netflix for the next few hours, it can helpful to check in with your body. When you stop to check in with yourself, you may find that a simple fix is all that’s required for getting back into your normal productive mode. 

 

Here are three things that can disrupt your natural work flow:  

 

Your body is hungry.

 

When you’re hungry, it’s hard to think things through and that makes decision making difficult. That’s why it’s important that you take time to nourish your body. You wouldn’t set out on a road trip with an empty gas tank so don’t expect your body to perform at its very best when you’re denying it much needed fuel. 

 

You can easily remedy this situation by getting something to eat. But steer clear of sugary snacks. They may give you a temporary burst of energy but that energy will be gone within a couple of hours, leaving your body just as hungry as before. Instead, try to opt for healthier snacks that contain plenty of protein like a handful of nuts or a serving of lean chicken breast. 

 

Your thoughts are scattered.

 

You go to work on one project but get distracted by another one. Then you decide to check your email and catch up on your social media updates. Before you know it, you have twelve different activities open on your screen. 

 

When this happens, you might be experiencing a lack of focus. You have so many ideas and tasks that you don’t know where to start working. In this case, it’s best to pause and make a list. Write down everything you need to accomplish today or this week. Then prioritize these projects by numbering them. Your most important task should be number one so after you’re finished with your list, start there. 

 

Your body is exhausted.

 

There are many things that can cause you to feel exhausted besides a lack of sleep. Emotional stress, illness, chronic pain, and other problems can deplete your energy. When you’re exhausted, it’s hard to work on your business.

 

The best way to tackle exhaustion is to practice self-care. Look at your life and ask yourself what you really need right now. You might need a day off. You might need a sitter to help watch your kids while you work. 

 

You might need to let go of stressful clients or remove projects that aren’t a good fit for your talents. Don’t hesitate to give yourself what you need. If you take good care of yourself, you’ll find it easier to nurture your business.

 

It’s important that you take time to check in with your mind and body a few times each day. When you do this regularly, you’ll begin to notice your body’s rhythms and be able to plan your work around them.

 

Journal Your Thoughts

• When you struggle to get into your normal rhythm, what's usually the cause?

• How often do you pause to listen to what your body needs?

• How do you take care of your body when it has a need? In what ways, do you put yourself on the back burner?

Tips To Study Better (Infographic)

6 Tips To Make Fear Your Friend

What makes you afraid? Is it losing someone you love? Or is it having to see your dentist? Maybe you fear thunderstorms or heights or elevators.

 

Whatever it is, fear is normal. It’s how our body warns us of dangerous situations and that we should be careful.

 

Yet, sometimes, our fears can become so great that they hold us back from living up to our full potential. They fill us with dread and uncertainty that we soon become constantly stressed and anxious over the smallest things.

 

Although surprisingly, fear, in its positive form, can actually be good for us. It can inspire innovative ideas and motivate us to reach new heights.

 

So, we’re here today to help you make fear your friend. Follow the six tips below, and you’ll know how to turn what was once your foe into an ally.

 

Let’s get started.

 

Identify the Source

 

This is probably the hardest step, but it’s absolutely worth it. But first, you need to come to terms with the source of your fear in order to overcome it.

 

Being aware of the root cause will be difficult in the beginning, but it’ll make you stronger. You’ll no longer live in the shadow of that big, insurmountable fear.

 

Embrace It

 

You’ve come face-to-face with your fear. Now, it’s time to embrace it.

 

But before you do that, you have to actually admit that such-and-such scares you. There are several ways to do this. First, you can either say it aloud, preferably to someone else in a natural setting.

 

You can also write it down in a journal or diary. The point is to get it out of your head and into real life. That’s when your fear loses its control over you.

 

It also feels better to get it off your chest and share it with the world. You’ll be surprised to know just how many people are just as afraid as you are.

 

Think Rationally

 

Fear makes us panic, and panic makes us do stupid things. In fact, studies show that when we panic, our prefrontal cortex shuts down. This is the region of our brain responsible for rational thinking.

 

So, case in point, learn how to think rationally despite your worries and panic. Make fear your friend, and you’ll be able to go a lot farther in life.

 

Take Stock

 

People deal with fear, stress, and anxiety in different ways. Some people like to be challenged and are great under pressure. Others find it better to work at their own pace without any tight deadlines looming overhead.

 

Whichever way you prefer, the important thing is not to let fear get the better of you. For example, say you’re afraid to speak in public. But then a colleague suddenly got sick and asked you to take over the presentation you’ve been preparing for weeks.

 

In this scenario, you have to pick whether you’ll let your fear overpower you or whether you’ll rise to the challenge.

 

The latter won’t be easy, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the long run. Be objective and tell yourself that others have held presentations before and have lived to tell about it. So, what’s the big deal?

 

Remember, your mind tends to blow things out of proportion. So, find a way to deal with the stress and take stock. It’s the only way you’ll be able to harness your fear and get the job done.

 

Find Support

 

No one ever failed by having a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to do better. These are the people who listen to you when you’re venting about your fears and anxiety, and they still choose to love you unconditionally.

 

A lot of research has been carried out on the benefits of having a support system. It empowers you with good coping skills while boosting your self-esteem and overall well-being.

 

Moreover, a sound support system can lower stress, anxiety, and depression rates. 

 

Be Positive

 

Whenever you’re afraid, you’ll tend to focus on negative thoughts and emotions. But then, they fester in your mind and transform into this big, ugly thing that you can no longer control.

 

Why not try some positivity for a change? Remember, the mind is quite powerful; it just needs a small push in the right direction.

 

By thinking positively, you can overcome your fears and actually live to tell the tale! All you have to do is believe it, and everything else will fall into place.