How to build your memory, develop your brain, and be healthy
One of my favorite areas of scientific discovery and health is the area of brain health and fitness. I just turned 54 in late April and am celebrating life, learning and integrating health promotion and personal development strategies into my daily life.
One of my favorite resources for brain fitness is sexy (and smart!) Alvaro Fernandez’s SharpBrains newsletter and blog. This always useful blog has a newsletter that is filled with ideas, research articles and sources, tools, and resources for furthering the development of one’s brain and mental faculties. It is helpful for adults of all ages.
Here are a couple of exceptional links from the SharpBrains newsletter:
I’ve been using a website, Lumosity, to work my brain. Also, since we know that our attitude or our actual thoughts have a direct and measurable impact on our physical brains, I practice positive psychology and am a regular practitioner of affirmations. Although their writings still contain some vestiges of American transcendentalism and a wee bit of Christianity, United Centers for Spiritual Living’s focus on practical, healthful mental and physical well-being universalizes their philosophy and provides a variety of practical techniques for permanently changing one’s mental outlook on life and living.
In my learning about brain and physical health, psychological health, and spiritual (in a universal, humanistic sense) health, the recurring principles seem to be:
- persistently practice affirming and healthful ideas and thoughts about yourself and your own capabilities for learning and growth
- read every day
- apply what you read in your work and life in daily conversations and thinking
- learn a new topic or language periodically and use it
- eat healthful, nutritious foods
- physically exercise every day
- open your home to fresh air and sunshine every day
- practice good sleep hygiene and get enough sleep every night
- persistently practice compassionate concern for all beings
- maintain personal boundaries and revise or flex them when needed
- cultivate a strong social network
- share your experience and skills
May these resources sustain and promote health and prosperity for us and for our world.
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