1. Immerse yourself in the book
When was the last time you immersed yourself in a really good novel? Did you know that reading a novel can improve brain function? When you immerse yourself in a story, your brain's connections become stronger and your functioning improves.
Reading gives your imagination wings and helps you to forget everyday worries for a while. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes through the book you read. This is called theory of mind .
Theory of mind refers to our ability to understand other people by assuming mental states for them. This is exactly what happens when we put ourselves in the shoes of the main character of the novel.
The next time your hand craves the remote control, grab a good book instead. Here are a few gems to get you started:
- Crime and Punishment , by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- Shantaram , Gregory David Roberts
- The Golden Hat , by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. Season your food
Here's a tasty idea: Seasoning your food helps preserve your brain's ability to function and keep it fresh as you age. Seasoning your food has more benefits than just a better taste.
Here are three brain-boosting spices:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years both as a spice and as a medicinal plant. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is probably already in your cupboard. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, comparable to blueberries and pomegranates. Cinnamon also has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body and fight bacteria. Cinnamon also tastes just as good in your morning coffee as it does in smoothies and autumn stews.
3. Saffron
Saffron is an antioxidant-rich spice, also called the sun spice. This is not only because of its special color, but also because of its potential mood-boosting effect. Studies show that saffron is more effective than placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. However, saffron has a strong flavor, so use it sparingly in cooking.
3. Go to the forest
Few things can improve brain health as effectively as a moment in nature.
Spending time outside in nature improves many brain functions, such as concentration. The study showed that being in nature reorganizes the area of the brain responsible for concentration, memory and decision-making, forming new and stronger neural connections.
Modern science also shows that walking in nature increases endorphins in the brain, which regulate mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Being outside and walking together bring about positive changes in the structure of the brain and the state of mind.
How much time should we spend in nature? A study of almost 20,000 adults from the UK revealed that those who spent at least two hours in nature in the previous week reported significantly better health and well-being. Isn't this enough for us to hang up our phones and go to the forest on Saturday? We think so!
