Stimulate Brain Health During Lockdown with John DenBoer

Social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly affect brain health as  Dr John DenBoer discussed. “Periods of stress can affect many areas of brain function, including memory, attention, thinking, mood (including anxiety and depression), and sleep,” says John. “Stress can also affect levels of inflammation in the body, which can affect the heart, blood vessels, and alter hormone levels that lead to other disease states.”

Therefore, here John DenBoer leaves you 7 tips to stimulate your mental capacity and put your brain health at its best:

1. Stay mentally active. Just as physical activity helps keep the body fit, mentally stimulating activities help keep the brain fit. Crossword puzzles, card games, and learning to play a musical instrument are great ways to increase your brainpower. Now maybe the perfect time to meditate, take deep breaths, practice gratitude, and journal.
2. Socialize regularly. Social interaction can help prevent depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Find creative opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends, and others, especially if you live alone. This may include:

• Call friends or family you haven’t heard from in a long time
• Walk at an appropriate social distance (minimum 2 meters away)
• Schedule virtual video conferences
• Play free games online with your loved ones.

3. Keep a schedule. Write the tasks, appointments, and other pending that you have in a special notebook, calendar or electronic agenda. John DenBoer explains, include the following methods:

• Repeat each entry out loud as you write it to help cement it in your memory
• Keep to-do lists up to date and check off items you’ve completed
• Reserve a place for your wallet, keys, and other essentials
• Limit distractions
• Focus on the information you are trying to retain

4. Improve your memory and attention. Everyday activities like folding laundry and preparing food can be exercises in attention and memory. For a new recipe, read steps 3 and 4 of the recipe and see if you can memorize them. Then check before doing them to make sure you’re correct.
5. Challenge yourself with John DenBoer. Start a new hobby or interest. Experiment with different types of music, art, or drama. The more challenging the activity, the more likely you are to sharpen your underlying cognitive ability.
6. Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose low-fat sources of protein, such as fish, lean meat, and skinless poultry. Also, you should try to limit your alcohol consumption, as drinking too much can lead to confusion and memory loss.
7. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. For most healthy adults, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. If you don’t have time for a full workout, take a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

According to John DenBoer, by following these tips, you can help maintain and even improve your brain health during the COVID-19 crisis. For this reason and if you have doubts, do not be afraid to ask your brain health specialist for more information.