Exercise, Tomato Soup and Escape Rooms: How Swindon Can Keep Your Brain Healthy

Your brain is a muscle. It requires exercise to stay healthy and ready for the day’s challenges. A good brain regimen includes taking on challenges and experiencing new things in a manner that builds neural pathways.

Research has shown that a few simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to brain health, with one showing short, 20-minute aerobic activities in-between lessons improved the attention spans of school pupils. As this and other studies show, simply reading, getting sleep, and “thinking” about things isn't cutting it. However, never fear, as we have put together a guide on how to look after you brain and some suggestions on the places in Swindon which will help you achieve it.

Getting Active

Image credit "Crossfit Bootcamp Fitness Models" (CC BY 2.0) by ThoroughlyReviewed

As we’ve already outlined, one of the easiest ways to assist the brain in staying healthy is simply to exercise our bodies. Studies conducted by the Centre for Brain Health at the University of Texas have shown sedentary adults, 57 to 75 years old, saw benefits in cognitive function with just small amounts of exercise. The study used one hour of exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill, three times a week for 12 weeks. Participants saw increased blood flow in their brains, particularly areas responsible for preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Now just imagine what a little bit of light exercise can do for a younger person. Trying new exercises means the heart is pushing more blood to keep the body running well and the brain is working to remember new techniques. If you are lost and looking for new exercises, check out our “Exercise of the Month” for some direction. Explosive workouts such as box jumps can push your body farther than simply doing squats ever will, while a side plank will work many parts of the body and really get the blood flowing.

Swindon is home to a host of health and fitness options for those looking to get more active, from gyms to running clubs and even personal trainers. This means you will never be short of opportunities to exercise your body in order to look after your mind.

Brain Training

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Of course, getting up and active isn't the only method available and should not be relied upon exclusively. Researchers at Emory University concluded that reading can improve connectivity in the left temporal cortex – the area of the brain in charge of language. According to an AARP study, 59% of the people polled are aware that solving math problems can improve brain health, while 48% play games online. Playing blackjack touches on learning new skills, such as knowing the probability of when to split or double down. Reading the rules takes only a few minutes but refining the game's strategy can take years. Nintendo is one major gaming company which has tried its hand at brain health improvement. In 2006, Brain Age was released on the Nintendo DS portable. Players are challenged with a variety of games including math, Sudoku, visual puzzles with letters and numbers, and word memorization among others. Video games in general can improve hand/eye coordination as players must react to changes on the screen. Fast-paced games such as Super Mario Bros require different skills and thought processes than slower-paced puzzle games like Tetris or Bejeweled do. If video games are not your thing, Escape Rooms provide original mental challenges Swindon is home to Incarcerated Escape Rooms, where users have to solve puzzles in order to win their freedom.

Eating and Sleeping Well

Image credit "Tomato Basil Soup" (CC BY 2.0) by mjneuby

Diet can greatly affect not only physical but mental health too. Recent research in Scotland monitored the eating habits of nearly 1,000 older people and discovered that those who kept to a Mediterranean diet tended to retain more brain volume across a three-year period than those who did not. According to Science Daily, tomatoes in particular can lower the risk of cognitive dysfunction or 'brain fog'. Consuming more tomatoes is recommended, for example in a soup. The high concentration of copper and potassium in tomato soup can give the nervous system a boost. We have a great tomato soup recipe here and we’re sure you’ll be able to pick up all the ingredients at Swindon Farmer’s Market.

There is one more thing anybody can do to help with their cognitive abilities. Relaxation, sleep. While it is still unknown exactly why we fall asleep, the benefits of sleep on the brain are becoming more apparent. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep allows the brain to be “cleaned”. Sadly, not many of us actually get the amount of sleep that we need, with US researchers suggesting that 1 in 3 people are not getting seven hours or more. Do not underestimate the importance of this – you are not sleeping your life away, you are simply letting your brain do regular cleaning.

No Quick fix

Improving brain health is not a simple matter and there is no quick guide to reset your brain with optimal settings. Getting your mind right and set on the correct path for a healthy future is going to take work and dedication. Just like any other muscle in the human body, the brain requires the right exercises and nutrients to grow. Read a book, eat right, play some games and take the road less travelled, you may be pleasantly surprised where it takes you. Take care of your brain today so it can take care of you tomorrow.