We know it’s incredibly important to keep our body in shape, but making sure that we exercise our mind is equally important when it comes to preserving the health of it. The thing is, how can we make sure that our brains are getting what they need? Here are a few tips to assist you with keeping your mind in shape.

Be a Quitter

Habits that are unhealthy can wreak havoc on both your body and your mind. Smoking can significantly increase your chances of dementia, and drinking can make feelings of anxiety and depression worse. If you have a habit of picking up the bottle, try one of the alcohol treatment programs in Cincinnati, for example, if you are in Ohio or Kentucky. If you have a smoking habit, there are all sorts of ways and even some prescriptions that can help you quit. Cutting back and quitting these habits can assist you with the preservations of the function and health of your mind.

Meditation

Meditating has been found to have quite a few neurological benefits, including anxiety and stress management. It also helps with concentration and emotional well-being. Taking the time to meditate for even just a few minutes each day can help with reducing stress and anxiety while improving your mental well-being.

Learn

Just like weightlifting can improve your physical strength, learning keeps your mind active and healthy while stimulating it. Try learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument if you want to keep your brain agile and sharp.

Eat Well

Having a diet that’s balanced and healthy is fantastic for your entire body – and this includes your brain. If you want optimal brain health, try a Mediterranean diet because it’s been found to have qualities that protect your brain and reduce the loss of the volume of the brain as you age. Stick with foods like poultry, olive oil, nuts, and fish and remember to avoid processed foods.

Be Social

Regularly socializing with family or friends can boost your feelings of well-being while reducing feelings of isolation and the risk of depression. Socializing is also useful for improving cognitive skills and memory and might even increase the length of your life.

Sleep

Making sure that you get enough good rest allows your mind and body to regenerate. Also, getting a good night’s sleep can almost double your ability to remember information.

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise keeps your body in shape, but it also increases the size of the area in the brain that’s responsible for your memory. On top of that, making sure that you remain physically active can assist you with the management of the symptoms of depression and anxiety while also reducing your stress levels.

You can make sure that your brain is at the top of its game by being a quitter, meditating, learning, and eating well. Being social, getting enough sleep, and exercising is also essential. By following these tips, and making a habit of them, you’ll be able to preserve the function and health of your mind naturally.

The Journey to the Dentist

We loaded the car at 11am this morning with my 4-year old and 1-year old (who was already taking a nap when we buckled him in his baby seat.)

This was me and my hubby’s first experience taking my older son, Nigel to the dentist, Dr. Bryan Shanahan. We were careful to book a morning appointment. Beyond that, we did not know what to expect. My baby napping was a good sign; I didn’t have to sit in the back with him, I could give some of my attention to Nigel through the car ride. 

Prepare Properly Before Going  to the Dentist

I have had my fair share of advice from other parents; how I should have introduced my kid to the dentist way before he started teething.

 I ignored them.

I want Nigel to understand a few aspects before going into the dentist’s office. Topics such as, what happens at the appointment, and most importantly, to get familiar with the doctor’s face. At 6 months, he wouldn’t even remember the face. We even played out what might happen at the dentist’s chair so our child knows what he is in for.

Luke, my husband, and I have accepted that there is no other way to learn about being a mom and dad until we go through it. Like I always say, you do you. Here are a couple of things that helped me prepare my child for his very first trip to the dentist.

Luke read somewhere that you shouldn’t use words like needles or pain in front of the kids when they are about to go to the dentist. Even if it is to say, “it doesn’t hurt at all.”

I brought his favourite toy on the trip, ‘Mr. Rawr’ a stuffed tiger, and let him play with it in the back seat. If it brings him comfort and makes him feel brave, why not?

The Visit

This visit was about examining his teeth and checking if they are developing right. Once we got there the dentist recommended that he get his teeth cleaned and polished. Oh yes, the mother of the year that I am, I do allow my kids to have a moderate amount of sugar, which means dad has a separate quota of snacks he thinks I don’t know about. Luke and I stayed in the room with Nigel in case he felt overwhelmed.

Turns out, there is such a thing as baby bottle tooth decay. Thankfully, Nigel did not have that. The dentist suspected that it was probably the juice that we were giving him for the fruit that he refused to eat. But here is what I didn’t know. It’s really important that kids ingest whole fruits because the fiber helps to clean teeth.

That’s just my experience going to the dentist. Hopefully your experience goes well too!