INFINITY News: A chance to rejuvenate your brain! What research has revealed is how to keep your brain young? #brainage #rejuvenation #brainactivity
Video explanation
Turn back the clock on your brain? Research shows simple habits that can rejuvenate your brain
Hello everyone! I'm John, your health and wallet supporter. This may seem sudden, but have you ever heard of the term "brain age"? Our brains age just like our bodies, but it's actually possible to keep your brain age younger than your actual age! This can be done with a few simple daily habits. Recent research has surprisingly shown that by continuing to do "one thing," you can potentially rejuvenate your brain age by nearly a year. Today, I'll explain the secret to keeping your brain healthy in a way that's easy for anyone to understand!
What exactly is "brain age"?
"Brain age" is literally an index of the youthfulness of the brain. Apart from your age on the calendar, it also indicates how active and efficient your brain is. For example, some people are 50 years old but their brains are as active as those of a 40-year-old, while others may be young but their brains may feel a bit tired. It's just like a car. Even an old car will run fine if it's well maintained, and even a new car will start to run poorly if it's not well cared for. The good news is that we can change our brain age for the better, depending on our mindset and lifestyle!
Research is attracting attention! What is the "habit" that significantly lowers your brain age?
In the overseas research presented here,"Take on new challenges"と"Regular exercise"However, it has been shown that these exercises may be very effective in rejuvenating your brain age. These are like "brain training" exercises that stimulate the brain and activate its functions. No special equipment or difficult knowledge is required. You can start doing these exercises today!
1. Are you excited? Activate your brain by taking on new challenges!
Learning and experiencing new things is like the best energy drink for your brain. Our brains have a wonderful property called "brain plasticity." This is the brain's flexibility and ability to change. When exposed to new information and stimuli, the nerve cells in the brain make new connections and strengthen existing connections. It's like new paths are constantly being created in your brain!
So, what specific challenges should you tackle?
- Start playing an instrument:Reading the music score, moving your fingers, and listening to the sound. This is a great way to train different parts of your brain at the same time. It's also a great idea to try again to play the piano if you gave up on it a long time ago.
- Learning a foreign language:Learning new words and grammar improves your memory and thinking. Even just being able to say simple greetings when you travel will broaden your world.
- Brain games and puzzles:Anything that encourages thinking is fine, like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or strategy board games.
- Find a new hobby:Take a step towards something you're interested in, whether that be photography, painting, gardening, programming, or trying a new style of cooking.
- Small changes to your daily routine:Even small things like slightly changing your usual commute route or brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand can provide new stimulation to your brain.
What's important is that you feel it's fun and that you want to know more. The key to continuing is to value curiosity, not a sense of obligation, and to find something that you can enjoy and continue doing.
2. Move your body and refresh your mind and brain!
It is often said that "exercise is good for the body," but in fact it is also the best gift for the brain."Aerobic exercise"It is said that aerobic exercise is exercise that requires a lot of oxygen to be taken in and is done for a certain amount of time.
When you exercise, your heart beats faster and blood circulates better throughout your body. At the same time, fresh oxygen and nutrients are also delivered to your brain. This oxygen and nutrients are essential for brain cells to function well. In addition, it is said that exercise stimulates the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance that helps brain cells grow. This is like an energy supplement for your brain!
How much and what kind of exercise should I do?
- Brisk walking:This is the easiest way to start. We recommend walking for about 1 minutes a day, enjoying the scenery and at a pace that makes you sweat a little.
- jogging:The key is to go at a comfortable pace and have enough time to chat.
- cycling:You can enjoy exercising while feeling the breeze.
- swimming:It puts less strain on the joints and is a full body workout.
- Dance and aerobics:Have fun moving your body to the music.
You don't have to do strenuous exercise. It's enough if you feel a little more out of breath and a pleasant sense of fatigue. It's important to continue about 3 to 5 times a week. It might be more fun to continue if you do it with a friend.
Plus! Lifestyle habits to keep your brain young
In addition to learning new skills and exercising, paying attention to these things in your daily life can help rejuvenate your brain even further.
- Eat foods that your brain will love:
It is found in large amounts in blue fish (mackerel, sardines, pacific saury, etc.)DHA and EPAIt is said that these oils keep the nerve cells in the brain soft and make the transmission of information smoother. These are sometimes called "oils that make you smarter." Also, the oils contained in dark-colored vegetables and fruits (spinach, broccoli, blueberries, etc.)Antioxidantshelps prevent brain cells from rusting (oxidizing). Nuts and whole grains are also recommended. - Get quality sleep:
While we sleep, our brains organize the information we received during the day and clean up the "garbage" (waste products) that have accumulated in the brain. In other words, it's maintenance time for the brain. Try to get about 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep and get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. - Dealing with stress:
Excessive stress can reduce brain function and shrink the hippocampus, which is involved in memory. It is important to find your own way to relieve stress, such as taking time for a hobby, incorporating meditation or yoga, or relaxing in nature. - Value human connections:
Conversations with family and friends and participation in social activities are very good stimuli for the brain. Loneliness is said to be one of the factors that accelerate brain aging. Be proactive in interacting with people and sharing fun times.
Message from John
When you hear "brain anti-aging," it may sound difficult, but as I have explained today, there is nothing special about it. By simply making a few small changes to our awareness in our daily lives, our brains can become healthier and younger. Don't give up thinking, "I'm getting old..." Instead, find just one thing that makes you think, "I think I can do this!" and get started today. Taking small steps for your future self is the best investment you can make!
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
How To Help Your Brain Act Years Younger, According To Research