The brain is our most vital and complex organ, and there are simple things we can all do to keep it healthy and improve its performance.
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 167 of the podcast with Dr Tommy Wood.
In this clip, Tommy explains why cognitive decline in later life is not inevitable and the steps we can take now to keep our brain healthy at any age.
Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/167
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Actionable Insights
1. Foster Social Connections
Actively engage in social connections to gain a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging, as these are critical inputs for brain function, physical health, and mental well-being.
2. Actively Learn New Skills
Regularly engage in learning new, difficult skills, even if it means being bad at them initially, and move on to new challenges once a skill becomes habitual to provide ongoing cognitive stimulus.
3. Maintain Life Purpose
Keep your brain engaged and feeling “required” by maintaining a sense of purpose, as early retirement without purpose has been linked to earlier decline and lack of evolutionary benefit.
4. Prioritize Foundational Health
Support long-term brain health by focusing on key pillars: good nutrition, consistent sleep/circadian rhythm (light exposure during day, dark at night), regular movement, and effective stress mitigation.