The health of different parts of the body is key for longevity, and your brain is no exception.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that a “quiet brain” could help add years to your life. What is a quiet brain? Those involved in the research define it as using less neural activity, which uses less overall energy from the body.
The study, published in the medical journal Nature, was conducted by investigating brain tissue of people who died between the ages of 60 and 100. By measuring levels of a specific protein, researchers found that people who lived longer had signs of less neural activity.
But it sounds like a contradiction to keep your brain sharp while attempting to keep it quiet at the same time. Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four tips to try and maintain a proper balance.
- Be More Mindful of Your Body Through Meditation
Try to meditate for at least five to 10 minutes each day and be mindful of parts of the body where you are holding tension. Training your body to sense the presence of tension will help you manage and eliminate it even during times when you’re not actively meditating.
- Be Present in the Moment
Your mind might be moving too fast for the rest of your body. Are you interrupting people before they’re done speaking? Is your mind distracted at the dinner table by everything else you have to do? Put those thoughts aside and be actively present in any situation that you are in.
- Schedule Free Time
It’s common to fill your calendar with meetings, appointments, and other obligations, but do you schedule time for yourself? Force yourself to take a break by working some downtime into your schedule or routine.
- Watch What You Eat
Your diet has more of an impact on your brain than you might realize. Avoid eating empty calories while doing sedentary activities like watching television or scrolling through social media on your smartphone or tablet.
To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
