Long-Term Brain and Mind Wellness Starts When You’re Young

One of the main reasons people strength train is so as they age, they are capable of doing more for longer. We squat now so we can stand up easier in the future. We do biceps curls so we can carry groceries out of the car. We walk to build our cardiovascular endurance for the road ahead. But why is the most important aspect of our long-term health so often left out of wellness?

Research shows, investing in brain health early in life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases later on. So when planning for longevity down the road, it’s key to focus on more than just muscular and cardiovascular fitness; brain health must be a staple in fitness routines as well. 

There are many ways to maintain the health of our brains and they are a necessary consideration to our overall wellbeing at any age. Afterall, the brain is the command center of our entire body – physically and mentally. So, shift your mindset when it comes to fitness training and begin to value your brain as well. Here are some of the key areas of focus when it comes to curating a long-lasting, sharp, and mentally fit brain:

1. Physical Activity- engaging in regular aerobic exercise, strength training, and movement has been shown to drastically reduce chances of Alzheimer's and dementia. Exercise increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps form new neurons and blood vessels. It also increases overall blood flow, which can help cognitive function, and can reduce the amount of amyloid-beta protein in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
   
   
2. Nutrition- Following a brain healthy diet, limiting processed foods, and providing your brain with essential nutrients for its function can not only increase your mood and cognition, but also reduces your risk of disease in the future. Eating for the brain can look like a diet of leafy greens and other brain-friendly foods and can include supplements such as: ashwagandha KSM-66®, magnesium, vitamin B-12, and more.
   
   
3. Stress Management- Stress is, at times, unavoidable, but by practicing mindfulness and taking active steps to manage stress levels, our brains become more resilient to stressors and we become more capable of managing our mental health. Stress management is an important tool to learn at any age. Start by taking up meditation, regulating a sleep schedule, unplugging from screens for a few hours in a day, or engage in activities that promote relaxation.
   
   

Staying active, putting healthy fuel into our bodies, and managing stress levels are all things not contingent on age. The sooner you begin to think of your brain as a muscle to be trained, the longer your brain will function as a healthy command center for your body. Brain health starts now, so should you.