March 2024 Healthy Mind, Healthy Life Goals for Spring

As we enter spring, consider some goals and plans that include better health. The 6 pillars of brain health may help you navigate some areas of change. Even a few small changes can lead to better health for your body and your brain. 

• PHYSICAL EXERCISE - Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 times a week. Physical exercise has been proven to help brain function. 

• NUTRITION and HYDRATION - Consider following a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, fish, whole grains. and healthy fats, such as olive oil. It incorporates less red meat and salt. For proper HYDRATION - consume half of your body weight in fluid ounces daily as is essential to brain and body health. 

• MEDICAL HEALTH - Keep regular Dr visits and take medications as prescribed. Make healthy life choices to prevent and manage medical conditions. 

• SLEEP AND RELAXATION - Aim for 7-8 consecutive hours of sleep a night. Incorporate regular activities that are conducive to relaxation. 

• MENTAL EXERCISE - Exercise your brains just as you do your muscles. Challenge your brain through brain games, word or jigsaw puzzles, learn something new. 

• SOCIALIZATION - Build a strong social network. People who maintain good social support tend to do better cognitively.