When it Comes to Brain Health, it’s Not Just About Puzzles

Many of us have heard that doing puzzles or brain teasers like crosswords and sudoku are the key to keeping your brain healthy. There are also countless apps and books that offer tips and fun activities to help stimulate your brain for long-term gain.

Nevertheless, there’s more to it when it comes to keeping your brain healthy. In fact, studies show that most of the habits you do to keep your body healthy are good for your brain too and can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.

Here are a few examples of healthy habits that can help reduce your risk:

• Get enough sleep — that’s about seven to nine hours for healthy adults
• Challenge your brain — learn how to play a new musical instrument
• Be physically active — 30 minutes a day is all it takes
• Connect with other people — organize a virtual coffee date
• Reduce or manage stress — try an online meditation class
• Eat a well-balanced diet — set a goal of one new healthy recipe each week
• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
• Protect your head to avoid brain injuries — wear a helmet when cycling, skiing or skating

There are many simple ways you can help keep your brain healthy — practice a variety of them to keep your whole self in shape.

The Author:

Find more information about dementia at canada.ca/dementia.

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