Food for thought: When is the last time you did something that truly challenged your brain? Perhaps a crossword puzzle, played a game of chess, or learned a new skill, like how to speak a new language?
In today’s world, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the minutiae of everyday life, sucked into the world of television and social media, and forget about the things that are mentally, physically, and emotionally stimulating. But challenging our minds is just as important for the brain as physical activity is for our bodies, and it’s something that should be done regularly.
Did you know that some of our body systems start to age as early as 30 years old? As part of the normal aging process, we tend to experience slower processing speed, increased difficulty with multi-tasking, occasional forgetfulness, and decreased memory of things that are newly learned.
While some cognitive decline is a normal part of the aging process, severe decline and dementia are not. Just like exercise and strength training can help stave off decline in muscle mass, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy brain and ward off cognitive decline. Your brain is like any other muscle, and it must be challenged regularly. A recent study through The Mather Institute showed that having a multi-faceted approach to cognitive training can have more of a positive impact than just the cognitive training itself. This is where the Seven Dimensions of Wellness come in to play. These dimensions overlap and work together to provide a well-rounded approach to thriving and optimizing life. The Seven Dimensions of Wellness include: Physical, Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Vocational, Environmental, and Cognitive wellness.
While completing brain games and challenges is great, isn’t it better to also have components of stress management (Emotional wellness), good sleep habits (Physical wellness), social engagement (Social wellness), and brain health education (Cognitive wellness)?
By including these other elements into your approach to brain health, you can truly provide the best “nutrient-rich soil” for a healthy mind to thrive. In addition to incorporating puzzles or new skills into your routine, consider also looking at your physical and emotional health to make sure they are in-check. When all dimensions of your life are balanced, we thrive!