4 steps to keep your brain sharp

Step #1 – Physical exercise Enhances Brain Health

Exercise has many health benefits, but one that is not always recognized is brain health. Exercise works in many ways to improve your cognitive health, and it serves to help you think more clearly, have better memory, solve problems, and enjoy better emotional health. As we grow older, ordinarily, cognitively, we decline; however, those who exercise are twice less likely to experience cognitive decline or dementia than inactive ones.

“A new study has discovered that just a small increase in physical activity can help prevent loss of muscle, improve mobility and increase the length of time we are able to stay independent. Researchers found that doing just 48 minutes of moderate exercise a week – amounting to six minutes a day – can help reduce the pace at which our muscles deteriorate,” – Express.co.uk.

Walking is one of the best exercises. Starting out walking only a few minutes and building up over time can improve brain health. 30 minutes per day 5 days a week is a reasonable goal to shoot for over time. It improves brain health, but it also helps you sleep better and feel better. Astonishingly, according to some reports, exercise can reduce your risk of disease, even including heart disease, while adding years to your life.

Step #2 – Mental Exercise increases brain sharpness

Listed below are several ways to exercise the brain and help keep you mentally in tune.

• Build your vocabulary: When you hear or see unfamiliar words, take the time to research their definition, learn how to pronounce them, and then note them to be reviewed until you can remember them. According to research, building a vocabulary involves areas of the brain that are important to visual and auditory processing.
• Enjoying music or learning to play a musical instrument: This can also be a good hobby. You can increase your creative brain power by simply turning on some relaxing music. If you want to go a step further, learn to play a musical instrument. The brain can learn how to play the guitar, piano, or other musical instruments at all ages.
• Learn a new language: Learning Spanish is easier today than ever before since new methods are available. Studies show that bilingualism can help memory, enhance creativity, improve visual-spatial skills, and slow age-related cognitive decline. While learning a new language may be more accessible at a younger age, it is still possible as you grow older.
• Learning a new skill can be a way to earn extra income. Learning a new skill is fun, but it can also help strengthen brain connections. Research has indicated that learning a new skill helps improve memory if you are an older adult. Choose a skill that you are interested in, for instance, learning how to do certain home repairs.
• Take up building models: This requires a lot of concentration. You can purchase model kits that are inexpensive but are pretty expensive when completed, for example, wooden model ships.  

• Teach a Bible course in your church: This requires some research and study and is one of the best ways to expand your knowledge of the Bible. Teaching is a way of practicing what we have learned and benefiting others simultaneously.
• Playing games: This is a relaxing pastime and requires concentration that improves memory and other functions of the brain. It is also an excellent way to fellowship with others, like a rook game on the dinner table or golf at the local golf course. 
• Solving puzzles requires brain effort: Choose a jigsaw puzzle you like and take the time you need to assemble it. It is a fun way to strengthen your Brainpower. The challenge is examining each peace and figuring out where it goes, which can be quite a workout for the brain.

The brain-like, the rest of the body requires exercise. It brings good results, improves memory, and ability to focus, and enables you to complete many daily tasks more efficiently. Regardless of your age, you can enhance yours cognitively. 

Step #3 – Improve your Personality 

Dr. Tomiko Yoneda, Lead Author, via CNN, commenting on a new study, said, “Personality has Significant Impact on Brain Health. This study is the latest research to find a clear link between cognitive health and Personality. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Victoria and published in the ‘Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.’ It found a connection between traits of Personality and the development of mild impairment of brain function. Personality traits reflect relatively enduring patterns of thinking and behaving.” It was once believed that Personality could not be changed; however, today, we know that Personality can be improved. Listed below are several ways to enhance your Personality.

The meaning of Personality

Personality is a derivative of the Latin word “persona,” which means a theatrical mask. Stage performers at one time wore masks to disguise or hide their true identities, enabling them to play different roles. In psychological terms, persona refers to someone’s unique self, personal way of thinking, feeling, and acting. In short, Personality is a description of who you are. According to the American Psychological Association, “personality encompasses all of the thoughts, behavior patterns, and social attitudes that impact how we view ourselves and what we believe about others and the world around us.” How vital is Personality in becoming successful? According to Studies, “85% of your success comes from your personality impact.” That is an excellent motive for improving your Personality and empowering your brain.

Impressive ways to help you improve your Personality

• Pay careful attention to how you act: By paying attention to how you act, you will take notice of your weaknesses and take the initiative to make changes where changes are needed and gradually improve your Personality. We can’t change until we are conscious of the need to change. Change requires consistency, so be sure to follow through on each improvement you initiate.
• Decide the personality traits you desire and note them: It is much easier to arrive at your destination if you know where you are going. Think of someone, anyone, perhaps a movie star or someone you know who has an impressive personality, and it will help you identify those personality traits you would like to have. I’m not saying to copy someone else. It would help if you made traits that belong to you and ones that fit you, like a comfortable pair of shoes.
• Correct bad habits: If you have the habit of answering your phone anytime it rings, you need to stop. It is never appropriate to answer your phone when in a restaurant or talking with another person; keep it out of sight. Do not constantly interrupt someone when they are speaking. Don’t be looking around the room when someone is speaking to you. Give them your full attention. Being inattentive conveys that you are not courteous. Being courteous in a conversation is a simple matter of being a good listener.
• Develop good body language: Body language is significant in good communication. It creates attention and lets the person speaking know you are paying attention. For example, you look into their eyes or nod your head from time to time, and avoid movements that distract or interrupt the speaker.
• Pay due respect to those who deserve respect, usually, anyone you talk with: Respecting others is a powerful way to have a polished personality. It draws respect from others to you and is one of the most notable traits of a human being. If you want to be respected, show respect for others. Some bosses are not respected because they show no respect for those under their supervision. Some children are without regard for their parents, and I think the parents do not demand respect and do not show respect to their children. The Bible promises children who honor their parents a long life on earth and commands parents not to provoke their children.
• Always take the responsibility to do your part: Letting others take up the slack for things you should do reflects poorly on your Personality; this is true in the home or on the job. My first wife, who died in 2005, worked on a job, and so did I. So, I felt that I should wash my clothes and help with household chores. 
• Be careful with your words: Profanity is always inappropriate if you intend to spare others’ feelings. Harsh words or criticism reflects poorly and denote the kind of person you are. The trick is to think before you speak. Harsh words often cause irreparable damage to a relationship.
• Be kind and helpful to others: Something that is seldom practiced nowadays is standing when someone is speaking to you. Offer to help someone when it is evident that they need help. If you are a man and happen to be in a situation where a lady or older person cannot find a seat, offer yours.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion: Avoid wearing unearthly, weird clothes. Wear formal clothes when the event calls for it and casual clothes when appropriate. Always be neat.
• Be well informed: A polished personality requires knowledge. The best way to gain understanding is by reading. There are many ways to increase your knowledge through reading newspapers, journals, articles, literature, science, etc.; this will keep you up to date on the present world.
• Be a positive thinker: Even negative people don’t like others that are negative. It is hard to be around someone who is always negative. True, there are many negative things, but also plenty of positive things that are far more interesting if you desire to be a likable, exciting person.
• Be a dependable person who always does what they say they will do: Always be on time if possible. Keep your appointments or notify if it is not possible. You must prove yourself as a reliable and trustworthy person if you are serious about improving your Personality. It is of utmost importance that others feel that you are a person of your word and do whatever you say you will do.

Bottom Line on How to Improve Your Personality

Personality growth is not just one thing; it is a life-long process. Remember, improving your Personality is not copying others’ Personalities. You are a unique creation, both inward and outward, so your Personality is the one that matches what you are innately. It is improving the qualities you already have as a human being. By using the tips given above, you can transform yourself, improve, and increase your abilities to the maximum. Remember this quote by George Eliot: “It is never too late to be who you might have been,” or this one by Deborah Day: “Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life.”  

Additional considerations

• Believe in yourself and your ability to make changes.
• Be your unique self by creating your style. 
• Understand that you have to power to conquer your fears.
• Take the time to learn new skills, which can create new income streams.
• Realize nothing is perfect, so quit trying to be a perfectionist.
• Learn to control your anger and reduce your risks of causing yourself and others harm.
• Practice being a sincere and honest person.
• Do not fear taking on new challenges that can add purpose to your life.

Step #4. A healthy diet promotes more vital cognitive abilities.

As we age, the brain does not feel as sharp as it once was. It is harder to concentrate; your brain doesn’t feel strong, and you might experience difficulty concentrating; thinking slows down, and forgetfulness becomes common. These things affect our daily lives, so it is essential to improve your Brainpower. 

Some foods help boost Brainpower, which includes both vegetables and fruits. As part of a healthy diet, blueberries top the list of superfoods that can support more vital cognitive ability and reduce brain fog. According to health authorities, blueberries help keep your brain sharp and lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In some studies, blueberries also increased blood flow to specific brain areas, improving memory.

Along with blueberries, listed below are more superfoods that boost Brainpower and fuel the brain, which requires 20% of overall body calories. The brain is the intense energy organ of the body, so paying attention to your diet can be a boon to good brain health. These foods are a great source of micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals. All of these compounds, according to research, protect and increase your Brainpower: 

• Wild-caught Salmon: Salmon is the ultimate brain food; it contains essential fatty acids, EFAs, which occur naturally in oily fish. The body cannot make these compounds, and they can only be supplied through a healthy diet. These compounds may enhance memory, manage stress, lower dementia and Alzheimer’s disease risks, slow mental decline, and produce the chemical serotonin for good moods. It is recommended to eat two servings of fatty fish per week.
• Dark Chocolate: This delicious dessert is an antioxidant that can Boost Brainpower. Dark chocolate contains potent antioxidants called flavonoids, which can improve blood flow to the brain while reducing inflammation. These antioxidants are essential for brain health since the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which promotes cognitive decline and brain diseases as we age. Dark chocolate 72% or greater is recommended.
• Turmeric: This Spice Boosts your mood, memory, etc. According to research, turmeric reduces inflammation, the “universal brain destructor.” This spice is an excellent source of antioxidants and is identified as one of the most powerful naturally occurring anti-inflammatory ever found.
• Coffee: This drink aids in processing and memory and increases focus. In addition, coffee decreases the risk of dementia, boosts alertness, increases the brain’s information processing, is a source of antioxidants, and helps prevent cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. Black or green tea also contains brain-boosting antioxidants.
• Nuts and seeds: Boost Your Brainpower by including nuts and seeds in your diet. These foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and are rich in antioxidants, which promote better action of the brain as the body ages. Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which protect body cells and relieve oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin E found in nuts can also help improve cognition and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Walnuts and almonds are an excellent choice of nuts along with flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds.
• Beans: Beans help stabilize Brain-Dependent Glucose and help to control blood sugar levels. Beans are one of the most economical brain-friendly foods on the list. They digest slowly and are rich in starch, which provides the brain with its preferred glucose fuel. More than any other food group, beans have more fiber and folate. Beans include brain-friendly nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, fiber, antioxidants, and folate. In particular, folate is essential for brain function.
• Sage: Sage is an herb seasoning that is known to boost memory. It is recommended by the “National Center for Biotechnology Information” to benefit Alzheimer’s patients. It can be used to season foods if you like the taste or used as an essential oil to apply on your wrists to inhale.
• Avocados: This fruit is excellent for increasing blood flow that supports information-carrying nerves in the brain and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, improve problem-solving skills, and helps memory. Avocados also include some of the brain’s most needed nutrients, like folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and copper.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains such as Brown rice, Oatmeal, Bulgur wheat, Barley, Whole-grain pasta, and Whole-grain bread promote blood flow to the brain and may increase concentration and help you to focus. Whole grain-rich foods also help to promote cardiovascular health. Whole grains give a steady supply of energy and form glucose in the bloodstream, which is then sent to the brain. Grains with low GI slowly release glucose into the bloodstream, keeping the brain alert throughout the day. 

Additional considerations for Brainpower

• Get a good night’s sleep, which is about 7 to 8 hours. 
• Eat healthy with a balanced diet of not too much or too little.
• Learn new things that keep your brain active.
• Develop and increase good social connections.
• Do not use tobacco or drugs in any form.
• Avoiding things that cause stress as much as possible.
• Drink an adequate amount of water to keep hydrated.
• No alcohol. It is bad for you.
• Take brain power supplements that are medically recommended.

A healthy diet rich in foods that support Brainpower and proper exercise is, without doubt, the best way to achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire. Of course, health-promoting activities and disease prevention measures are also essential.