Seven simple steps to improve brain fitness

In March, we celebrate Brain Awareness Week (15-21 March), and it’s good to take a few moments to marvel at what a fabulous thing the brain is.

When you think about it, you need your brain to do that and need it to think, learn, create, and feel emotions. But not only that, but your brain also controls every action your body makes, from blinking and breathing to beating hearts and belly laughs.

We often talk about the importance of physical exercise, but have you ever thought about the importance of exercising your grey matter?

Like any other part of the body, it needs to be cared for too. Daily exercise for the brain is said to improve memory, functionality and focus. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that keeping your brain active increases its vitality. Breaking your routine and trying a new activity is key to optimum brain health.

So how can you make some minor tweaks in your daily life to keep your brain healthy? Here are our seven simple steps for super brain power:

Step 1: I like to move it

It’s no surprise that aerobic exercise with oxygen pumping activities is key to optimum brain performance. Activities like running or swimming are best, but any activity that raises the person’s heart rate will pump more blood to the brain.

Step 2: Pie time

Your brain needs healthy fats, so what about making a lovely fish pie just in time for #NationalPieWeek 1st-7th March 2021. This also ties in with our next tip, try doing something new.

Step 3: Cooking from scratch

There’s a saying variety is the spice of life, which is undoubtedly true for brain health. Trying a new skill makes your brain work harder. Look at what national days are coming up and try a new recipe. 8th-14th March is National Butchers Week. Why not pop down there and create a new recipe from scratch.

Step 4: Turn off the TV

Reading a good book or doing a crossword is a simple way of getting your brain working. It seems such an easy task but many of us don’t take enough time to do these simple things.

Step 5: Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill works for multiple areas of the brain. It doesn’t have to be complex; set yourself a goal to do something in aid of charity. It’s @Comic Relief on 19th March – so why not do something funny for money and get people to sponsor you. It could be learning to juggle, tell jokes or walking backwards. Whatever you choose, all will challenge your brain and give it a much-needed workout.

Step 6: Brain Training

You can get information on brain training online. There are websites, books and even apps on how to train your brain to work better and faster. Most are based on memory, visualisation and reasoning, and all will get your brain going, that’s for sure.

Step 7: Get talking

But, if none of the above appeal to you – one simple way to get your brain working is talking. Talk when you’re in a queue, on a bus or at the school gate. Sharing stories or news can help to keep you alert and make some friends along the way.

We would love to hear about any ways you have of exercising your brain; please share them with us.

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