Getting physically fit gets a lot of attention, and with good reason. Keeping your body in great shape will help you avoid conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Mental fitness is just as essential. Incorporating both physical and mental exercises into your everyday life can help you reap a healthier body and mind.
Did you know that your brain is a muscle? Let us flex it!
Doing bicep curls once won’t give you strong arms. The same goes for mental health. Enhancing your mental strength entails practice, time, and consistency.
You might find this hard to believe, but having a healthy brain is essential for a healthy mouth. Oral health and mental health are closely linked. For example, dementia has been linked to poor oral health, and conversely, poor oral health is associated with dementia.
If you are ready to exercise your brain and get it in good shape, read on. Below are great ways to stay mentally fit.
Learn something new
Maintain and enhance your memory by picking up a new skill or two. Here are some suggestions:
- Discover a brand-new challenging hobby, like model building, writing computer code, playing a musical instrument or something else that will encourage your brain to work hard.
- Learn a new language.
- Try something that is outside of your comfort zone, like public speaking.
Read, read, read
A good book can be so much more than a great story, it can give you an awesome mental workout and may even encourage your brain to work more efficiently. Below are some tips to help give you a great reading experience:
- If the time and situation permit, read with your children or grandchildren. Why not read to them books about the Tooth Fairy to help promote good oral health habits?
- Read in nature. Read on the patio, go to the park, or look for a nice spot on your lawn.
- Relax with a book before you go to bed. It can help lower your stress levels and decrease your risk of developing oral health issues like mouth sores or teeth grinding.
Stay physically fit, too
Being physically fit is wonderful for your mind and body – a win-win! Exercise helps release chemicals in your body that encourages good brain health. Get your heart pumping with these suggestions:
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Any activity is fine, whether it’s a low-impact walk around the neighborhood or an intense workout.
- Simply do not have the time for a lengthy workout? Why not do a few short ones? Get up from your computer at least once every hour to move around and do some stretching. Take a short walk.
- Encourage good hand-eye coordination by engaging in certain sports like basketball or table tennis.
Don’t forget, overall fitness isn’t just about watching your weight and building muscles. By being proactive in ensuring that you are mentally fit, you are helping your mind stay sharp- and your teeth look great – for many years!
