Want to improve your Brain?

Brain exercises
Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older.

1. Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
provide emotional support and allow you to support others
There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:
DO

• if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together
• arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while
• try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family
• have lunch with a colleague
• visit a friend or family member who needs support or company.

DON'T

do not rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It's easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people.

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

DO'S

• read about running and aerobic exercises to help get you moving and improve your fitness
• read about strength and flexibility exercises to increase muscle strength, improve balance and reduce joint pain
• if you're a wheelchair user, read fitness advice for wheelchair users

DON'T

do not feel you have to spend hours in a gym. It's best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
• helping you to build a sense of purpose
• helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

Do

• try learning to cook something new. Find out about eating a healthy, balanced diet

• try taking on a new responsibility at work, such as mentoring a junior staff member or improving your presentation skills

• work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online

• consider signing up for a course at a local college. You could try learning a new language or a practical skill such as plumbing

• try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint