I am very excited to share this one! I think this falls under the category of healthspan more than longevity, but of course they go hand-in-hand.
Dr. Amen, psychiatrist, has written a ton of books and has a pretty compelling TED Talk: https://youtu.be/esPRsT-lmw8?si=1fMnGbQnTmZcPwi9
I’m inspired by this recent interview that I listened to and keeps ringing in my ears:
https://youtu.be/ycTZ_t-aiuU?si=xqfl4KKotw4coEnr
- Avoid head trauma and exposure to mold and toxins: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Wear a helmet, avoid black mold and pollution as much as possible and get some fresh air.
- Eat a brain-healthy diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise not only benefits physical health but also supports cognitive function and mental well-being.
- Kill the ANTs: Automatic Negative Thoughts. Amen recommends disciplining your mind to recognize negative and unhelpful thoughts. Disciplining your mind is probably one of the best tips for healthspan. We don’t always have control over thoughts that pop up, but we do have control over killing the ANTs and redirecting our minds.
- Get quality sleep: Prioritize sleep and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Did you know that the brain cleans itself during sleep? Quality sleep is the kind of brainwashing that you want 😀
- Stay socially connected: Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and community. Social interaction is vital for emotional well-being and cognitive health.
- Challenge your brain: Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments. Keeping your brain active can help preserve cognitive function as you age.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are linked to numerous health problems and can shorten lifespan. Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking altogether. This also tanks your sleep so your brain can’t sufficiently clean itself.
- Manage chronic health conditions: Take proactive steps to manage chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for medications, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.
- If possible, get your brain scanned to know for sure: You don’t know if you don’t look 🙂
ZenwithGwen 