Improve Mental Sharpness -
This type of cognitive sluggishness can exist for a range of reasons, including stress, poor sleep, nutrition, and more. Sometimes brain fog may be a signal that your health and wellness regimen needs further attention and professional guidance.
Additionally, there are a handful of lifestyle tweaks — from observations by experts — that may help alleviate brain fog and inspire mental clarity.
If you zip from task to task throughout the day, you may not be giving your brain the break it needs to function well.
For example, the aftermath of having COVID may leave you with lingering brain fog , even when you feel physically better, due to possible inflammation associated with the virus, notes Harvard Health Publishing.
Prioritizing your absolute-must tasks while scheduling downtime can help support mental stability while working with the fog, she says. For example, use the alarms on your phone, schedule reminders through a voice assistant, set up auto pay for your bills, and organize your meetings into a calendar.
This may help take away some of the stress associated with brain fog. For that reason, she recommends a low-inflammatory diet, which roughly means limiting or avoiding highly processed foods and red and processed meats, and sticking to a plant-based or Mediterranean-style of eating that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Brain fog may be one symptom of certain autoimmune conditions, Wilhour adds. For example, according to the Arthritis Foundation , people with rheumatoid arthritis often report feeling forgetful and unable to concentrate, and separately, anywhere from 40 to 80 percent of people with fibromyalgia and lupus may experience brain fog, per Duke Health.
One study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, and other research on people with multiple sclerosis, showed that an anti-inflammatory diet may help alleviate some of the symptoms of the diseases, including improved cognitive function. In addition, research shows evidence that a low-inflammation diet may be protective for brain health as we age, Wilhour adds.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, for adults, to keep not only the heart in good shape but the brain, too. Research also shows that physical activity induces changes in the brain, such as an increase in gray matter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a molecule that plays a role in creating neural connections related to learning and memory, per MedlinePlus.
Memory, executive control, and attention may all get a boost when you work up a sweat. Plus, exercise is a great antidote to stress for many people, and as additional research shows , it builds up your cognitive reserves to help your brain become more resilient as you age. Activities that stimulate and support your cognitive health include reading books, tackling crossword puzzles, playing games or instruments, and keeping updated on current events, among others.
Like physical exercise, consistency is key. To maintain a regular practice, lean in to activities you find enjoyable. Turning on some tunes can be another brain-tickling strategy.
Listening to music has been shown to stimulate the brain and help with stress reduction and mood disorders, per research. Sleep helps keep you sharp. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can lead to a range of brain fog-like symptoms such as issues with short-term memory, attention, processing speed, and alertness, research shows.
Addressing sleep problems by improving your sleep hygiene like ditching devices before bed or creating a wind-down routine may help you beat fatigue so you can think more clearly the next day.
Sleep apnea , when you experience pauses in breathing during sleep, is another concern and can create disruptions that affect sleep quality, per the CDC. A hallmark sign of sleep apnea is appearing to get enough sleep but still feeling excessively sleepy during the day.
Keep a good attitude about your ability to find solutions in every-day situations. Serve others. Especially as you age, giving back to your community can give you a sense of purpose and identity that contributes to a positive outlook on life and a good attitude toward the aging process.
Try serving meals at a homeless shelter, volunteering at a senior center to write letters for residents, or working with youth or children at your local faith-based organization.
Having a regularly scheduled volunteer job can help you make friends and help others. Reframe your experiences.
It is true that as you age, you will not be able to do everything you could do when you were younger. But instead of seeing those as failures, reframe them as natural, and refocus on things you can do.
In many ways, attitude is everything: you can reframe a negative thought or experience to make it positive. For example, you may not be able to recall things as well as you used to, but instead of seeing that as a personal failure or an embarrassment, recognize it as a natural effect of a life well lived.
Practice gratitude. Scientists have done hundreds of studies on the benefits of a grateful attitude, which include boosting your happiness and life satisfaction. Every day for a week or more , write down at least three things that you experienced that you're grateful for.
They can be big or small. Write how it made you feel. Making this a daily practice, perhaps writing every night before bed, can help you cultivate a grateful attitude.
Part 3. Write things down. Since you can't and don't need to remember everything, you should prioritize your mental space and use shortcuts to help you remember things you don't need to memorize.
Try keeping Post-it notes or a white board in the office with daily tasks and reminders. Repeat important details. Repeating things you are told can help to fire pathways in your brain to ensure that you can remember it better later.
You can do it casually: in the beginning of the conversation, say, "It's so nice to meet you, John. Meditate or practice yoga. By learning to calm your mind and focus your attention, you can improve your mental clarity which has positive effects on your memory and attention span.
Mindfulness is a meditative practice that involves sitting and breathing slowly while focusing on physical sensations such as your breath moving in and out. Try to meditate twice a day for minutes at a time. Part 4. Recognize that you may need help at some point.
As we age, our mental abilities will decline whether or not we try to maintain a sharp mind: it's just a fact of life. It is important to surround yourself with people you trust so that as you age, you can trust them to make important decisions for you should the need arise.
As people age, they are more likely to remember events that did not actually occur. Having a younger person that you have known for a long time, like a grown child, can help you supplement your memory if you need to recall an event from years past.
Assign a guardian. Before you need one, decide who will serve as your guardian when and if your mental abilities decline. You should hire a lawyer to file appropriate documentation when the time comes. If you have troubled relationships with anyone near you which is very common , it makes sense to appoint your own so that this important decision is not left up to the court.
Write a will indicating your final wishes for your property and end of life care. If you should lose mental functioning, your will ensures that no one makes decisions that go against what you hoped for your future and keeps you in control.
Make health decisions now. You can make big decisions about your future health and care now and put them in writing so that you're your guardian will have to keep your preferences in mind.
Ask for help. If you think you might be experiencing a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's or dementia, reach out to those you love and ask for help. There are treatment plans and healthcare options for you to help you if you are battling these conditions.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's can start at any time, but before age 65 it is known as "younger onset Alzheimer's. But talking to your children or loved ones now can help you ensure that your future is secure.
You can lead a productive and fulfilling life even after a diagnosis. Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA Life Coach. Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Getting a little exercise every day can help alleviate stress and help you focus.
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Read books and newspapers to gain knowledge. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Share your views and ideas with others. Help others solve their problems and you will experience different situations. Concentrate on the things you need to remember by making an image of that in your mind. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.
Focus on what you wanna do instead of focusing on what other people want you to do. Thanks Helpful 43 Not Helpful 2. Watch out for people that try to do your thinking for you. However, keep your mind open for good advice.
When you have a sharp mind, you'll recognize good advice. Thanks Helpful Not Helpful Don't be a people pleaser, for the wrong kind of people will take advantage of you. If you stay sharp, chances are that won't happen to you.
You Might Also Like. How to. How to Really Listen to Music. Life Coach. Expert Interview. More References About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: February 14, Categories: Featured Articles Aging.
Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Article Summary X To keep a sharp mind and good attitude, do physical activities to stay active and try to maintain a positive outlook on life.
In other languages Italiano: Avere una Mente Brillante e un Atteggiamento Positivo. Español: mantener la mente aguda y una buena actitud. Deutsch: Einen scharfen Verstand und eine gute Einstellung erhalten. 中文: 保持头脑清晰、态度良好. Русский: сохранить ясный ум и уверенность в себе.
Bahasa Indonesia: Menjaga Ketajaman Pikiran dan Sikap yang Baik. ไทย: มีสติปัญญาเฉียบแหลมและมีทัศนคติที่ดี. Nederlands: Een scherp verstand en een positieve instelling handhaven. Tiếng Việt: Giữ trí óc sắc bén và thái độ tích cực. हिन्दी: अपने दिमाग को तेज और रवैये को अच्छा बनाए रखें.
한국어: 명료한 정신과 긍정적인 태도를 유지하는 방법. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,, times. Reader Success Stories.
Will Pruitt Mar 16, I was curious about how to keep my mind fresh. This article gave me multiple perspectives on keeping my mind fresh, and I'm humbled by it. More reader stories Hide reader stories.
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Painting requires concentration—thinking about what color to use, where to put that color, and how. Activities such as painting—or gardening as it is for Mozelle Harding, 72, a retired stained glass designer from San Diego, California—are not just healthy brain habits because of their creativity, but doing things that bring you joy also helps reduce stress.
Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive health over time through hormonal changes, inflammation, and structural alterations in the brain, says Louisa Nicolaneurophysiologist and female human performance expert with Momentousa performance nutrition brand.
Specifically, stress increases the production of the hormone cortisol, which studies have shown is associated with overall poor cognition, memory, and executive functioning. Stress also triggers inflammation throughout the body, which research indicates can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, adds Nicola.
Ongoing stress can even change the structure of parts of the brain responsible for learning and memory, according to a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. Stress reduction can also lead to better sleep. Healthy sleep habits include sticking to a consistent wake-sleep schedule, keeping a dark, calming bedroom, limiting caffeine and large meals close to bedtime, avoiding phone or other tech use at night, and getting adequate activity during the day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Slaven has been a vegetarian since his 60s. Consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, can positively influence cognitive function and help preserve mental sharpness, says Nicola.
Home Page. Aging Well · Brain. BY Alyssa Sparacino. For Joel Slaven, 78, exercise has been an important part of his life for years. Daily exercise Joel Slaven, a year-old working dentist from Los Angeles, says exercise has been a part of his life for many years.
Joel Slaven, 78, has been cycling for 35 years. Courtesy of Joel Slaven. Terry Lieber, 77, stays connected with others through pickleball. Courtesy of Terry Lieber. Mozelle Harding, 72, paints and gardens—activities that reduce stress and keep the brain sharp. Courtesy of Mozelle Harding.
BY Isabella O'Malley and The Associated Press. Congress could be about to give grocery stores and gas stations new payment options—but big banks are warning the BY Richard Hunt. BY Orianna Rosa Royle.
: Improve Mental Sharpness| 5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp As You Age | The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. There are many foods that support mental clarity and concentration. For Business. Rasch, B. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids — like fish— have also been proven to aid cognition. In other languages Italiano: Avere una Mente Brillante e un Atteggiamento Positivo. |
| Practice relaxation | Frequent Go players also tended to possess a stronger theory of mind, which is the ability to understand and attribute mental states, like beliefs and emotions, to yourself and others, contributing to their social cognitive skills. Bridge is a card game that involves critical thinking, memory, and strategic decision-making. It can be an enjoyable way to keep your brain sharp. An older study of people ages suggests that playing bridge may improve working memory and reasoning, but not vocabulary and reaction time. Brain exercises, from chess to dual n-back training, serve as dynamic tools to keep our minds agile and resilient. But research is mixed and further. They may enhance memory, problem-solving, and cognitive abilities. They may also contribute to structural changes in the brain, fostering neural reserve. For convenient access, explore online platforms and make enhancing cognitive abilities a regular part of your routine. Your brain will thank you for the workout! Neuroplasticity may mean your brain can grow and heal on its own. If you're living with a mental health condition, your brain's ability to regenerate…. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can change your brain. Research says yes. Researchers have found that years of meditation can change the structure and function of the brain. Here's how. Creating a schedule and managing stress are ways to make your days go by faster. Changing your perception of time can also improve your overall…. Experiencing unwanted and difficult memories can be challenging. But learning how to replace negative memories with positive ones may help you cope. There are many reasons why spider dreams may occur, like unresolved feelings or chronic stress. Learning how to interpret your dream may help you cope. Tornado dreams are manifestations of the subconscious mind that may indicate various interpretations, such as personal fears or major life changes. Work burnout occurs due to chronic stress and other factors, such as long work hours or toxic workplace culture. But help is available for you to cope. If you dream about someone dying this may occur for various reasons, such as life changes or dealing with grief. But support is available to help you…. Domestic Violence Screening Quiz Emotional Type Quiz Loneliness Quiz Parenting Style Quiz Personality Test Relationship Quiz Stress Test What's Your Sleep Like? Psych Central. Conditions Discover Quizzes Resources. Medically reviewed by Tiffany Taft, PsyD — By Traci Pedersen on November 27, New language Active reading Mindfulness Chess Dual n-back Crosswords Sudoku Go Bridge Recap Engaging in brain exercises, such as completing a sudoku puzzle, enhances cognitive abilities, boosts memory, and promotes overall mental well-being. Learning a new language. Active reading and note-taking. Mindful breathing meditation. Having a younger person that you have known for a long time, like a grown child, can help you supplement your memory if you need to recall an event from years past. Assign a guardian. Before you need one, decide who will serve as your guardian when and if your mental abilities decline. You should hire a lawyer to file appropriate documentation when the time comes. If you have troubled relationships with anyone near you which is very common , it makes sense to appoint your own so that this important decision is not left up to the court. Write a will indicating your final wishes for your property and end of life care. If you should lose mental functioning, your will ensures that no one makes decisions that go against what you hoped for your future and keeps you in control. Make health decisions now. You can make big decisions about your future health and care now and put them in writing so that you're your guardian will have to keep your preferences in mind. Ask for help. If you think you might be experiencing a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's or dementia, reach out to those you love and ask for help. There are treatment plans and healthcare options for you to help you if you are battling these conditions. Symptoms of Alzheimer's can start at any time, but before age 65 it is known as "younger onset Alzheimer's. But talking to your children or loved ones now can help you ensure that your future is secure. You can lead a productive and fulfilling life even after a diagnosis. Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA Life Coach. Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Getting a little exercise every day can help alleviate stress and help you focus. We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Support wikiHow Yes No. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Read books and newspapers to gain knowledge. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Share your views and ideas with others. Help others solve their problems and you will experience different situations. Concentrate on the things you need to remember by making an image of that in your mind. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Focus on what you wanna do instead of focusing on what other people want you to do. Thanks Helpful 43 Not Helpful 2. Watch out for people that try to do your thinking for you. However, keep your mind open for good advice. When you have a sharp mind, you'll recognize good advice. Thanks Helpful Not Helpful Don't be a people pleaser, for the wrong kind of people will take advantage of you. If you stay sharp, chances are that won't happen to you. You Might Also Like. How to. How to Really Listen to Music. Life Coach. Expert Interview. More References About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: February 14, Categories: Featured Articles Aging. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Article Summary X To keep a sharp mind and good attitude, do physical activities to stay active and try to maintain a positive outlook on life. In other languages Italiano: Avere una Mente Brillante e un Atteggiamento Positivo. Español: mantener la mente aguda y una buena actitud. Deutsch: Einen scharfen Verstand und eine gute Einstellung erhalten. 中文: 保持头脑清晰、态度良好. Русский: сохранить ясный ум и уверенность в себе. Bahasa Indonesia: Menjaga Ketajaman Pikiran dan Sikap yang Baik. ไทย: มีสติปัญญาเฉียบแหลมและมีทัศนคติที่ดี. Nederlands: Een scherp verstand en een positieve instelling handhaven. Tiếng Việt: Giữ trí óc sắc bén và thái độ tích cực. हिन्दी: अपने दिमाग को तेज और रवैये को अच्छा बनाए रखें. 한국어: 명료한 정신과 긍정적인 태도를 유지하는 방법. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,, times. Reader Success Stories. Will Pruitt Mar 16, I was curious about how to keep my mind fresh. This article gave me multiple perspectives on keeping my mind fresh, and I'm humbled by it. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Anil Sathawane Feb 23, I like best the one where you advised on how our attitude should be towards the person who thinks to take revenge. Parvez Shaikh Jun 15, And this website does not have those irritating ads which other sites have. Thanks, wikiHow. Rated this article:. Kamna Syal Dec 28, Share on Pinterest. Brain exercises. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle. Try your hand at cards. Build your vocabulary. Dance your heart out. Use all your senses. Learn a new skill. Teach a new skill to someone else. Listen to or play music. Take a new route. Learn a new language. Take up tai chi. Focus on another person. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 17, Written By Sara Lindberg. Aug 7, Written By Sara Lindberg. Medically Reviewed By Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD. Share this article. Read this next. READ MORE. Unpacking the Notion of Love Addiction. Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD. Toxic Femininity, Explained — Plus, Tips to Overcome This Mindset Toxic femininity, or behavior that aligns with patriarchal beliefs about what women should and shouldn't do, can affect your well-being. Isolation, Loneliness are Major Mortality Risk Factors for People With Obesity A new study, released this week has found that death rates are increased for people with obesity who are also socially isolated and lonely. The… READ MORE. Psychedelic Ibogaine May Help PTSD and Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury A new study finds a type of psychedelic called ibogaine may help people with traumatic brain injury. In the study 30 male Special Operations Forces… READ MORE. Exercise May Help Treat and Prevent Postpartum Depression, Study Finds New research suggests that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like swimming, cycling, jogging, and dancing may be more effective for reducing… READ MORE. Finding the Right Therapist for You: 8 Red Flags to Look Out For Finding a therapist that makes you feel comfortable is crucial. Here's what else to look for when starting a… READ MORE. |
| Mental Acuity: A Guide To Staying Mentally Sharp | Magic Mind | Socialize More Making new friends or spending time with the ones you have might be good for your brain. Okereke, O. Based on currently available research, these eight tips can help you remain mentally sharp as you get older:. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. In addition to clearing away the cobwebs, it also primes you for learning throughout the day. |
| How to boost brain power at any age | The researchers found that when people engage in Sudoku tasks, both the medial and lateral regions of the prefrontal cortex PFC are involved. Here's what else to look for when starting a…. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can change your brain. That means self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even imposter syndrome are likely to develop as a result. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. BY Alyssa Sparacino. As a result, you become a shell of your former self. |
| Mental Acuity: A Guide to Staying Mentally Sharp | Include your Sbarpness address to Overcoming body negativity a message when this question is answered. Improve your cholesterol Sharpnese levels of LDL Sharpnese cholesterol are associated with Brain agility for sports skills Sbarpness the risk Sgarpness dementia. It Improve Mental Sharpness arguable if concentrating our full attention on two things at once is even possible. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. There are several different ways that low mental performance can be expressed, both through the body and the mind. Another study tested mindfulness in people with healthy brains; it shows mindfulness could help decrease the rate of memory loss and poor concentration in aging subjects. |
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