5 Things You Do That Make Your Brain Age Faster

Getting old has never been a desired thing, yet it is an inevitable phenomenon. We have to be prepared for the time when we are going to face the signs of ageing. However, getting old physically is different than getting old mentally, i.e. the ageing of the brain. Have you noticed your old parents or your grandparents having memory lapses?

Memory lapse is a phenomenon when the person cannot remember certain things for a certain period of time. For example, you enter a place but you cannot remember why you were there in the first place. Or, you are having a conversation with your friend about a film you watched together but you cannot remember many scenes from the film, which your friend can. This is terrifying. You cannot stop this but you can surely stall it for a long time.

You can hide wrinkles on your face or white hairs with certain cosmetics or treatment. But to check the ageing of the brain, you have to adhere to a long process. Fortunately, we have a few suggestions for you to put a check on your brain getting older than your age.

James Cole suggests that if our brain feels older than our physical age then it means that something negative is happening in our body.

So, try to minimise the following things in your life if you have them already:

1.Lack of physical activities

There is a correlation between our brain and physical exercising. All of us know the benefits of working-out for building a particular physique. But there is an immense impact of exercises on our mind too. Several studies have shown that the habit of being lethargic increases the chance of dementia and Alzheimer. The study published in the PLOS One Journal reveals that sitting continuously for long hours can be injurious to your brain. The lack of physical activity affects your brain directly by shrinking the regions of the brain which causes a decrease in blood flow. This leads to a decrease in the connection of the neurons. Also, another study shows that the signs of dementia in women are reduced by at least 11 years if they ensure an active lifestyle.

2.Excess of junk food, refined items, and substance abuse

Excessive indulgence in junk food and processed items leads to the deficiency of nutrition in your body. Their consumption leads to obesity, cardiovascular health issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Our body is connected to our brain and if our body gets affected by these types of food items then so does our brain. You can replace junk food with berries, fish, olive oil, wine, whole grains, green and leafy vegetables, etc. Also, try to minimize sugar, salt, cheese, from your diet. They increase the risk of inflammation in your brain.

Substance abuse is another habit that ages your brain too fast. Bad habits like alcohol, cigarettes, weeds, marijuana, etc. can make your brain grow old. The research done at John Hopkins University shows that ageing of the brain is accelerated in those subjects who indulged in substance abuse like cannabis and alcohol. Also, inhaling tobacco on a regular basis can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

3.Absence of mental exercises

Puzzles, Sudoku, etc. help in the mental exercise of your brain that is as important as the physical ones. Also, you can learn to play some musical instruments or learn new languages. A research on PLOS Medicine shows the challenges faced by your mind during computerized versions of games are less effective in their outcome than the ones faced in doing the real-life challenges. Always engage your mind in doing something. For example, do computations in your head or test yourself every now and then.

4.You do not socialize

Try to make human connections in your life. Not socializing enough may be the reason your brain’s ageing faster than it’s supposed to. The study published in the International Neuropsychology Society Journal shows that there is 70 per cent reduction of the risk of cognitive decline if you socialize with your friends and family time and again.

5.Lack of an adequate amount of rest and relaxation

Your body is like a machine. You need to give it the required rest and relaxation to function properly for the next task at hand. Scientists from the University of Toronto claim that we get more anxious if we don’t take out time to relax. It can also lead to severe nervous breakdown and anxiety. So much so, this may further lead to problem of memory loss and Alzheimer. Make sure that along with relaxation you get sound sleep at night. Getting enough sleep is vital to stop your brain from getting older. As the adequate amount of sleep revitalises and recharges your brain to function properly.

Keep every organ of your body as good as new. You need to carry out physical, mental, and social activities for the same. And your priority should be your brain as it controls every action of ours. Follow a healthy diet with exercising to ensure good health for your brain. Try to maintain positivity around yourself to reduce the risk of chronic stress and depression as they affect your brain harshly. Always keep your brain busy and engaged in some productive jobs.

Follow these suggestions, and you’re good to go!