How to Stay Mentally Sharp

Face it, as we get older, our minds tend to lose their sharpness. We start forgetting things, like people's names or what item was next on our mental "to-do" list. But aging doesn't have to be synonymous with a dull brain. Here are a few ways to keep you mentally sharp:

Things You'll Need

• Puzzles & games
• Hobbies
• Social Activities

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Instructions

• 1

  LEFT BRAIN WORKOUTS:

  The left side of your brain is believed to be in control of your reasoning, language, and math skills. To keep it running at full capacity, try learning a new language or completing puzzles (Sudoku is a good option).

• 2

  RIGHT BRAIN WORKOUTS:

  The right side of your brain handles the creative stuff. Keep this side sharp by practicing a musical instrument, learning a new craft or hobby, or even singing in a choir.

• 3

  OVERALL BRAIN WORKOUT:

  Learn to meditate.
  Meditation lowers the effects of stress and anxiety, and activates the brain's control center for happiness and contentment.

  Practice your memorization skills.
  Remember when you were a child and set out to memorize everything from states in the Union, to the multiplication tables? Your mind thrives when you practice memory skills, so maybe now's the time to commit to memory Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky, or Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's A Psalm of Life.

  Stay engaged in social activities.
  Having a busy social calendar has been linked to reducing mental deterioration.