by Barb Hopkins

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Mark Twain once said, "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."

To feed our brains, sharpen our minds, and minimize memory loss as we age, we need to make healthy choices that not only benefit our bodies but brains as well. As an organ, the brain requires oxygen plus physical and mental exercise. If we keep our brains in shape, we will not only be physically invigorated but emotionally stimulated and can increase memory capabilities, boost creativity levels, and even improve cognitive skills.

When our brains are stimulated they produce new connections between nerve cells. These new connections then begin communicating with each cell which helps the brain to retrieve and store information more easily and at a quicker speed. What efforts can we make to stimulate our brains and get this complex organ in top shape? We need to daily challenge our brains with activities both physical and mental, employ good sleeping habits, develop healthy eating habits, and reduce daily stress.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITES STIMULATE THE BRAIN.

Running, walking, or exercising at the gym is a great way to boost oxygen levels in the brain while releasing endorphins that will make you feel energized.

Get outside and play catch with your kids or work in the garden.

Play golf. A great social sport, it takes you outdoors in the fresh air and involves decision-making skills with repetitive physical movements.

Play pool. Another social activity, pool combines problem-solving and strategic planning with repetitive physical movements.

MENTAL ACTIVITIES STIMULATE THE BRAIN.

Read and continue to absorb knowledge, culture, and interesting facts. If books are not your thing, try reading blogs, newspapers, or magazines. Challenge your mind with new subjects.

Learn a new language. Attend classes at a local college or high school, study online, or even watch a television program in a foreign language. Learning a new language will keep your brain agile and increase your thought processes.

Learn a musical instrument. Engaging in lessons and learning to read music are great exercises to stimulate your brain's cognitive and creative areas. Playing an instrument increases your power of recall and concentration.

Do crosswords or mental puzzles. Try a website like brainready.com for great brain building activities. Word, number, logic, and concentration puzzles are great ways to get the brain fired up. Do at least two to three puzzles daily for maximum brain boosting stimulation.

Don't write everything down. At

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