If you are a parent or have a busy household, you know how crazy life can get. It seems like every day falls into the same predictable routine of organized chaos, right down to the shuffle out the door in the morning to the bath time, teeth brushing and books before bed. After your kids are finally asleep, what do you do?

Chances are you head for the couch with remote in hand. While relaxing and de-stressing every day is important, it is also important to challenge your brain in new ways to keep your mind sharp and your brain healthy.

Read on below as our AFC Urgent Care Arden explains why challenging your brain is good for your cognitive health.

What Does Exercise Have to Do With My Brain?

We know that the days are long and sometimes putting on your workout shoes doesn’t seem very fun at all. Did you know that regular exercise is not only good for your physical health, but also for your mental health and brain health? It can help improve your mood, boost your self-esteem and actually be beneficial for your brain cells.

If you have trouble finding motivation to exercise, try to find a workout buddy that you can rely on. Having someone to hold you accountable and to talk to while exercising can make a world of difference! Remember, not every exercise routine has to be intense. Mix up your routine every day, and try new ways to move your body.

Health Benefits of Exercise

• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety
• Decreases stress
• Boosts self-esteem
• Boosts physical health and well-being
• Improves sleep, which can keep you sharper during the day

What Activities Challenge My Brain?

The goal of challenging your brain relies on forcing it to think differently or solve problems. This can look different for everyone, but things like crossword puzzles, word finds and sudoku make you concentrate differently. You can also invest in a new hobby like knitting or gardening!

These activities help you build neural pathways and connections in your brain that will help you retain a stronger memory later in life. Challenging your brain every day can also help you ward off certain types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Brain

• Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco.
• Don’t abuse alcohol.
• Protect your head from injury by wearing a helmet.

We are here to help you feel better from your brain to your feet. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Arden.