Simple tips to help you keep your mind sharp

Scientists previously believed that brain growth and development stopped at a certain age, that a person had a limited brain capacity, and that it would deteriorate once people reached old age. We now know that this is not true. Scientific research shows that the memory loss once thought to be normal due to aging is not normal at all. You can actually stimulate your brain, improve your mental abilities, or at least live your life in a way that doesn't damage your mind.

Here are five simple tips to help keep your brain sharp:

1. Keep learning! Keep your mind active in any field of activity, so you can keep learning, reading, problem solving, brain and body training, learning a language, playing an instrument or doing memory games.

2. Exercise your body and your brain through challenging sports.

Exercise improves many aspects of intelligence: It increases your heart rate, which helps more oxygen get to your brain; it releases hormones that help control stress and promote the formation of new brain cells and new connections.

3. Feed your brain

Your brain is greatly influenced by your diet, and the best brain-boosting foods are those that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Make sure the following five brain-boosting foods are part of your diet: berries, salmon, walnuts, green vegetables, and avocados.

4. Good at socializing

Be socially active and make sure you surround yourself with good friends. You can join a book club, walking club, or gym. Research shows that maintaining strong, rewarding social relationships not only helps fight depression, but also stimulates the brain.

5. Meditate every day

In daily life, most people face chronic and severe high levels of stress, which can impair memory and concentration. Meditation helps reduce stress and increase oxygen flow to the brain. Practice meditation daily to have a strong calm mind and a more focused brain.

Life is about choices, and it is important to choose the right health plan for you, as your best years are still ahead of you!