New York, USA – A neuroscientist is offering practical advice on how to boost brain health and memory through simple everyday activities. Rachelle Summers, a mental wellness coach, shared five key habits that can positively impact brain function and overall well-being. These habits include getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, participating in brain-boosting activities, and working on memory retrieval.
Summers emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep in consolidating long-term memories, recommending between eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests that adults aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Despite the benefits of adequate sleep for brain health, many Americans struggle to meet this recommendation.
In addition to sleep, Summers highlights the significance of aerobic exercise in enhancing memory for individuals of all ages. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, or swimming, increases blood flow to the brain, supporting its function. The neuroscientist also underlines the value of mindfulness practices in boosting brain health, as mindfulness has been shown to increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with attention and memory.
Moreover, engaging in brain-boosting activities like learning a new language or playing a musical instrument can stimulate the brain and promote the growth of new neural connections. These activities contribute to enhanced memory performance and cognitive function. Summers also recommends practicing memory retrieval without using external aids like Google, as this can strengthen memory connections and improve recall abilities in the future.
By incorporating these simple yet effective habits into daily life, individuals can take proactive steps to support brain health, improve memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. With Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cases on the rise, maintaining brain health through lifestyle tweaks and healthy habits is crucial for overall well-being. Implementing these practices can have a lasting impact on cognitive function and memory retention, ultimately enhancing the quality of life.