There is no doubt about it—life is busy. While your days are full of meal prep, work, chauffeuring your kids around and helping with homework, it can be easy to just fall into a routine of sitting on the couch in the evening in front of the TV.

While we all need to destress and relax after work, there are other things you can do that are relaxing as well as challenging your body and mind.

Keeping your brain engaged every day can help you reduce your risk of experiencing cognitive issues and dementia, and our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains some great ways to do so below.

Why Is Exercise Good for My Brain?

We know that sometimes exercising after a long day is the last thing you want to do! However, finding the motivation to even just get in a quick workout will pay off for you in the long run. Regular exercise can help support your cognitive health more effectively and can also reduce feelings of stress.

Beyond that, it contributes to building neural connections in your brain. These new connections are crucial to your ability to learn new things and retain new memories. All of that is really important as you age, so get moving! It can help to find a friend to workout with you if you need extra support.

Fun Exercises That Challenge Your Brain

• Swimming
• A daily walk in nature
• A fun dance or exercise class
• Yard work

What Mental Games Can I Play?

Challenging your brain every day can look different, depending on your interests and the kind of day you had. Each time you focus on a challenging concept or a problem you don’t know the answer to, it challenges your brain to find the solution. This is great for strengthening your neural pathways and is great for memory recall.

There are a variety of ways to do this. Try a new crossword puzzle, a word find, sudoku or even a card game at the end of the night. You can even challenge your brain by discovering a new hobby like knitting or painting. Don’t be afraid to try new things on this journey!

Supporting Your Brain in Other Ways

• Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco.
• Don’t abuse alcohol.
• Protect your head from injury by wearing a helmet.
• Eat brain-healthy foods like fruits and veggies and fatty fish.

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