10 Easy TLC Tips for Your Brain

Take a moment to think about your greatest asset. The thing that makes you uniquely you. If you could keep ONE single thing what would be?

Your brain? We hope so!

So, how do we take care of that 1.5 kilogram hub between our shoulders?

To honour that irreplaceable part of you, the Alzheimer’s Association has put together 10 simple ways you can give some tender loving care to your brain!

P.S. If you really want to woo your brain – have a yarn, use our

10 Tips for a Healthy Brain

1. Fuel up – Eat a balanced diet that is higher in vegetables to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Make sure you’re hitting those Omega 3’s and vitamin B’s.
2. Speak nicely – Your mind is always listening, so keep your conversations and your self-talk positive and kind.
3. Break a sweat – Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
4. Buddy Up – Staying socially engaged can support brain health. Find meaningful ways to connect with others. Make your own iyarn wheel to check in with those around you.
5. Scrub down – Take time to clean up and organize your surroundings, stay away from environmental hazards, such as cigarette smoke. Smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. And quitting smoking can reduce risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
6. Follow your heart – Evidence shows that your head and your heart are connected. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
7. Hit the hay – Not getting enough sleep due, especially with conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea, may result in problems with memory and thinking.
8. Protect your noggin – Head injuries can raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seatbelt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike  and take steps to prevent falls. Even if you’re young and agile, a knock to the head can cause serious damage.
9. Take care of your mental health – Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline. And chronic stress is bad for your brain. So take care of your mental health, manage your stress, and seek medical help if you’re concerned.
10. Stump yourself – Challenge and activate your mind regularly. Allow your self to focus on a single task. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind can have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

Bonus Tip: Yarn with your brain, use our TLC for Your Brain iyarn wheel to mentally check in with yourself and your brain-loving activities.