4 Exercises To Avoid Losing Mental Clarity In Old Age

Over the years, several of the body’s functions and processes can be affected, including alertness and mental clarity.

Therefore, in addition to adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet and doing physical activity on a regular basis, it is also important to exercise the mind regularly to strengthen its capacities and keep thoughts in order.

Here are 4 exercises that can help keep your mind active and healthy.

1. Colored text

As you can see, in this image there are a series of words written in different colors. The idea is to start saying out loud the color in which each word is written. It should be done until you reach the end of the image, and then repeat it in the opposite direction.

In this way, it is possible to exercise the two hemispheres of the brain that respond to the perception of text and color. It may be difficult at first, but it could be beneficial to keep your mind sharp and clear.

Doing this simple exercise is said to help:

• Establish new connections between the two hemispheres of the brain
• Train a number of skills, such as the ability to concentrate and shift attention.

2. Schulte chart for mental clarity

The idea of this exercise, known under the name of the table Schulte, is to focus on the figure at the center and then e inding number 1, staring at each new found figure. Then continue with the other numbers in ascending order.

To continue with the exercise, you can make a new table with the random order of the figures. The benefits that could be obtained by doing this activity are:

• Increase the speed of information processing.
• Develop peripheral vision of the brain.

3. Finger signs

This exercise consists of making the symbol of peace, with the fingers of the right hand. At the same time, with the fingers of the left hand, you will have to make the “ok” sign . Then, it should be done the other way around, and repeat it several times.

When it has already been done with both hands, the idea is to do it simultaneously. The achievements of this activity are the following:

• Increase and train your ability to concentrate.
• Improve both attention and the ability to move quickly from one task to another.

4. Synchronized writing

Practicing synchronized writing can be useful in this sense, if what you are looking for is to exercise memory. To do this, you must have 2 sheets of paper and a pen in each hand. Next, you will have to start drawing geometric figures with both hands at the same time.

You can also write letters or words of the same length at the same time. The key is to do it simultaneously or the exercise will not be valid. The benefits of this exercise are as discussed below:

• Teach the brain to multitask.
• Activate both hemispheres at the same time.

Other tips to exercise your mind

Train the non-dominant hemisphere

It doesn’t hurt to train your non-dominant hand. That is, if you always brush your teeth with your right hand, do it with your left, and in the same way in the opposite direction. Thus, the brain will be able to give orders and carry out different actions than it always does.

Also, you can shower and perform other daily actions with your eyes closed. Changing the route on the way to work, to the store, or other popular places can also help activate memory.

Take care of the diet

Eating well is essential for all body functions. In addition, diet is said to play an important role in strengthening memory. In fact, there are certain nutrients that help the brain work better.

In relation to this, a Harvard Medical School publication points out that there are some foods that could increase brain health such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil, as well as limited consumption of meat red.