by Ms. C. Jones

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

The brain is the most intriguing and integral organ in our body. It is home to our personality and mind and is who we are. The interesting thing about the brain is that it has neuronal plasticity. What is this you ask? It is the ability to form new connections and learn, even as we age. So how do we keep our mind sharp you ask? It is so simple and we can incorporate these steps into our daily lives.

First, we need to get the proper amount of sleep. As we sleep, our brain is busy processing the days information we have learned. Sleep makes memories stronger, and even weeds out irrelevant information and keeps what is important. Our brain finds hidden relations among memories and solves problems we were working on when we were awake. At rest the brain also replenishes our neurotransmitters(chemical substances) in the brain so that we may function the next day.

Secondly, physical activity keep your body strong. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain and this promotes cell growth. Exercise also makes you feel more energetic and alert. When you feel more energetic, you will be better able to learn. So, go for a walk, play tennis, swim or do an exercise you find fun and invigorating. Make sure to do this at least three times a week.

Thirdly, healthy eating habits are important. Fish rich in DHEA (or a supplement) is a sort of "fountain of youth" which controls 50 other hormones and is responsible for a lean body and youthful energy. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. The more colourful the food the more fun it will be to eat healthy foods. Drink in moderation and if you smoke, quit.

Fourthly, we need to reduce stress levels. Repeated exposure to stress can damage our brains. This can lead to depression and loss of memory. Find time in your day to meditate in a quiet place and slow your thoughts down.

Finally, we need to exercise our mind. How do we do this? Doing activities you find meaningful boosts important, emotionally relevant neurochemicals. Read what is interesting to you. Challenge your mind by reading about ancient cultures, learn a new language, or learn to write. Learn a new skill that you have never tried before such as painting, computers or find new social circles. Volunteer, learn to play a musical instrument or even play "Scrabble" or "Monopoly" to keep the mind sharp. Crosswords and Soduko are available for free on the internet and can offer a challenge.

A sharp mind and intelligence emerge from a well exercised brain. We must maintain a well-balanced life-style in order to maintain a sharp mind and remember to have fun while challenging ourselves.

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