Enhance Your Brain Health in Just 20 Minutes Daily

Think you’re too busy for self-care? Just 20 minutes a day can make a difference. Jonathan Schott, a leading neurologist at UCL and chief medical officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, shares five simple ways to boost your brain health. Each activity takes no more than 20 minutes daily. Let’s explore them.

Engage in Activities You Love

Dr. Schott stresses the importance of stimulating your brain with enjoyable activities. Find something you truly love. It could be cooking, reading, playing music, or gardening. However, avoid doing things just for the sake of it. This can negatively impact your brain. Focus on activities that genuinely interest you.

Stay Physically Active Daily

You don’t need a intense gym workout. A brisk walk, yoga, dancing, or cycling will suffice. Any activity that gets your body moving is beneficial. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight. It’s also good for your heart and naturally lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Plus, it boosts your mood and reduces anxiety and depression.

Make Walking a Daily Habit

Walking is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. If you’re already exercising, walking can help tone your muscles and keep your heart healthy. You don’t need to be a marathon runner. Small changes can make a big difference. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the market, or walking while on phone calls.

Build and Maintain Social Connections

Humans thrive on social interaction. Whether you’re single or married, having a close circle of friends and family is crucial. Research shows that isolation can increase the risk of dementia. So, get out there and make new friends if needed! Sharing laughter or tears with loved ones is priceless and has health benefits.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can cause serious damage to your heart and brain over time. Dr. Schott emphasizes the importance of keeping your blood pressure under control. Regular moderate exercise relaxes your blood vessels and improves circulation. This natural effect helps lower your blood pressure, sometimes as effectively as medication.

Additional Tips for Brain Health

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get enough sleep each night.
• Challenge your brain with puzzles or learning new skills.

Reference: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/neurologist-says-you-can-cut-31922767