7 Habits to Keep Your Mind Sharp and Agile

The World Health Organization states that those currently aged between 20 and 35 have a good chance of living up to 85 years. This is due to advancements in medical technology that are expected to significantly increase life expectancy in the near future. However, the challenge lies in managing the gradual decline of brain functions, which medical science has yet to fully address. Therefore, it is up to us to train our brains for clarity and sharpness of mind, preferably starting at a young age to make it a lifelong habit. This way, we can remain vibrant even at 80. Achieving this is not difficult, as mental agility is composed of simple physiological factors that we can influence.

Take Walks in the Fresh Air

When you briskly walk down the street, you engage in a process far more complex than simply moving from point A to point B. Firstly, it provides excellent physical exercise and stimulates proper blood circulation, including in the brain. Secondly, it involves high-level cognitive functions as you scan and process your surroundings. Dogs across the street, playful children, beautiful foliage, speeding cars, and sunlight reflections on distant windows—your brain processes and analyzes all this information, engaging a full spectrum of sensory and cognitive systems.

To maximize the benefits of such walks, try to stay as connected to your surroundings as possible. Keep your nose out of your phone, observe your environment, and if you listen to music, keep the volume low enough to hear ambient sounds. A mere 30 minutes of attentive walking each day is sufficient for a good “brain workout.”

Watch Comedy Shows

It is widely believed that laughter extends life. While this is partially true, it is more accurate to say that an active brain prolongs life, and a good sense of humor can stimulate brain activity. Not all laughter is equally beneficial. Laughing at someone who has fallen or had a pie thrown in their face might lift your mood and exercise your facial muscles, but more complex jokes that require knowledge, experience, and memory recall are far more beneficial for brain health. Quality stand-up comedy, satire, and irony are excellent choices for maintaining mental sharpness.

Diversify Your Information Intake

In some ways, the brain is similar to our digestive system. For optimal functioning, the stomach requires a diet rich in nutrients and variety. Even the most nutritious vitamin-rich porridge can be harmful if it is the only thing you eat. Similarly, the brain needs diverse and “nutritious” information—new knowledge and experiences that we were previously unaware of. Listen to classical music, stay updated on news and scientific advancements, learn foreign languages, and acquire new skills. Try to learn something new every day. Even learning one new word (there are so many unknown words even in your native language!) can help maintain a diverse “diet” for your brain.

Do not underestimate information sources that are often considered mind-numbing. Computer games, TV series, and light reading can also stimulate brain activity, provided they are consumed in moderation rather than from morning till night. Moreover, these forms of entertainment are increasingly reaching new levels of quality.

Ensure Healthy Brain Rest

You will likely enjoy this next exercise: try allocating time to sleep different amounts each night, but no less than 7 hours, to find the optimal duration for yourself. Younger individuals often require more sleep than the classic 7-8 hours, and this is perfectly fine as needs may change with age. Aim to sleep just enough to feel comfortable, even if that means 9 hours. Do not fear oversleeping, as both insufficient and excessive sleep can leave you feeling unwell, and your body will let you know if you have slept too much.

If you miss an hour or two of sleep, you can make up for it during the day. For example, take a nap right after work and then return to your activities refreshed. Initially, it might seem impossible to nap during an active evening, but it becomes easier with practice.

Additionally, it is beneficial for the brain to rest periodically while awake. Meditation and breathing exercises can help with this.

Manage Stress Effectively

Managers have emerged in every sphere of modern life, from cleaning managers to time managers. Why not have stress managers as well? Stress management is crucial and often underestimated. It is not only about calming the brain during depression, before deadlines, or in other tense situations. Excessive relaxation and a problem-free existence can also have negative effects. Therefore, a moderate amount of stress can be beneficial, and deadlines can actually stimulate and invigorate the mind. Keep this in mind when planning your schedule and dreaming of a problem-free life.

Break the Routine

The rhythm of modern life often involves performing numerous routine tasks day in and day out. Days roll by monotonously, especially if your work or studies lack variety. This can lull your mind into a meditative stupor, which is not the beneficial kind of meditation. Periodically, it is important to break the cycle of routine and try something new.

Rearrange your furniture, change your schedules, or try something completely different. Delegate dishwashing to a family member in exchange for another household chore, and sign up for a dance class or a rooftop tour (with a proper guide, of course). Ensure that each week is slightly different from the last to keep your brain engaged and prevent it from becoming stagnant. New experiences provide fresh information for your brain to process and refine its functions.

Maintain an Active Social Life

Much of our new experiences, knowledge, and skills come from other people and our interactions with them. Therefore, regardless of how introverted you may be, an active social life is beneficial for developing cognitive brain functions. Attempting to understand others, finding flexible ways to interact with them, and experiencing a range of emotions and experiences contribute to personal growth. Even negative experiences can be beneficial, though it is best not to overdo them. It is crucial not only to listen to and adopt others’ experiences as they are but also to analyze, ask questions, and engage in debates. The more you interact with others’ minds, the more beneficial it is for both parties. Remember, truth is often born from debate.

For further reading, you can visit World Health Organization.