Children are encouraged to use their brains in a variety of different areas, such as sports; arts; math and writing, and are constantly stretching their brains and finding new skills. It is important that even after leaving school or college we go on learning new skills to keep our brains bright, sharp and active.

In a world where we are living ever longer it is vital not to take your brain for granted and to use it.

Memory lapse can occur at any age. Maybe you cannot recall someone’s name or you cannot remember where you put your keys.  We are constantly being encouraged to take care of our bodies and we must also use our brains and minds to prevent cognitive decline. Use it or lose it also applies to your brain. Aging alone is generally not a cause of mental decline.

Studies have shown that you can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits: Staying physically active, getting enough sleep, not smoking, having good social connections and eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats. Certain health conditions that can impair cognitive skills such as stroke but even if your brain is damaged it is very capable of always developing new pathways when old pathways are damaged.

Memory changes can be frustrating, but the good news is that, thanks to decades of research, there are various strategies we can use to protect and sharpen our minds. Here are several you might try:

A high level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active, but pursuing a hobby; learning a new skill is always important, as is always having a book on the go and using different areas of the brain such as learning a new sport, playing an instrument or learning a new language ready for your holiday as you sit in your car. If you spend your day at the computer, give your brain a rest when you come home from work by using a different part of it which means using it to do something completely different such as learning a new dance or painting a picture.

Many myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory. People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function — joking about “senior moments” too often, perhaps — are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can improve, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.

If you don’t need to use mental energy remembering where you laid your keys or the date of your daughter’s dental appointment you’ll be better able to concentrate on learning and remembering new and important things. Take advantage of calendars and diaries, shopping lists, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Run an organized home where everything has a place.

Children are constantly finding new ways to remember things and as you grow older it is important to keep up this good habit.

When you want to remember something you’ve just heard, read or thought about, repeat it out loud or write it down. That way, you reinforce the memory connection. For example, if you’ve just been told someone’s name, use it when you speak with him or her: “So, Sarah, where do you live?”

Regular exercise may not just keep you physically fit, but mentally sharp as well. So, get out there and exercise for your mind! Just e-mail for a free copy of my award winning my Mini Morning Workout and start your day fit and healthy with a good supply of oxygen to your brain.



I am so glad to hear you have decided to give up smoking because it is so bad for you. Remind yourself of all the good things about giving up smoking. No cough — less upper respiratory related illnesses — brighter complexion — better healing. Eating a balanced healthy diet and taking vitamin C and a healthy supplement is important for smokers’ health to combat the damage caused by smoking.