If you want to keep your mind razor sharp as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

It’s an uphill battle that’s as challenging, if not more so, than a heartbreak:

You’ve always prided yourself on your mental agility, your quick wit, and the ease with which you soak up new knowledge. But it seems like lately, that spark is just not snapping as it used to.

You’ve given it a shot, tried to shake off the brain fog and stay mentally active, but it’s not quite working out.

Sometimes there aren’t any dramatic signs.

It’s just this nagging notion that if you want to maintain your cognitive sharpness as you age, some things in your lifestyle might need to change, even when every fiber of your being resists it.

Here’s how to identify those lifestyle choices that are secretly sabotaging your mental agility.

Below is the guide to the 7 habits you need to bid farewell to if you wish to keep your mind razor sharp as you get older. It’s not going to be easy, but hey, who said that mind yoga was a walk in the park?

1) Ignoring regular physical activity

It’s akin to trying to keep a fire going without feeding it any fuel.

You’ve always enjoyed the mental challenge, the thrill of a good debate, or solving that complex problem. But lately, it feels like your mental prowess is not what it used to be.

And while you’re striving to keep your mind sharp, you’ve overlooked the fact that physical well-being and mental agility are intrinsically linked.

Sure, it’s easier to sit on that comfy couch instead of hitting the gym or going for a brisk walk – but at what cost?

Physical activity is not just about maintaining an appealing physique or keeping the doctor away. It plays a significant role in boosting your brain health too.

If you’re not engaging in regular exercise, it’s like starving your brain of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function optimally.

A sedentary lifestyle can be an unsuspecting saboteur of your cognitive sharpness as you age. And if this sounds all too familiar, then it’s high time to get moving.

2) Neglecting a healthy diet

It’s like trying to run a high-performance car on low-grade fuel.

As someone who has always been more interested in the world of thoughts and ideas than in the culinary arts, I often found myself grabbing whatever was quickest and easiest when it came to meals.

Fast food, takeout, ready-to-eat meals – you name it, I’ve had it. Convenience was king and nutrition, an afterthought.

But then I noticed the impact on my mental sharpness. I was slower, foggy, and struggled to maintain my usual mental stamina.

Research says that what we eat significantly affects our brain health. Our brain needs the right nutrients to work optimally, just like the rest of our body.

And it makes sense, doesn’t it? Only when I started paying attention to what I was eating – fresh fruits, lean proteins, whole grains – did I notice a difference. My thought process became clearer, the fog lifted and I was back in the game.

3) Shunning social interactions

It’s like living in a lush forest but refusing to breathe in its fresh air.

A wise man once said, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship,” Thomas Aquinas.

I always held this quote close to my heart, but I never truly understood the full breadth of its meaning until I found myself isolating from my social circles. As an introvert, I’ve always enjoyed my solitude, my space. But then I noticed a certain sluggishness in my thoughts, a dullness that wasn’t there before.

Turns out, Aquinas was onto something because research indicates that social interactions are crucial for cognitive health. Just as a muscle needs exercise to stay strong, our brains need social interactions to stay sharp.

Being socially active promotes a sense of belonging, reduces stress and stimulates our minds. It keeps us mentally engaged and challenges us in ways we might not realize.

4) Overindulging in screen time

It’s like trying to maintain a vibrant garden while constantly pouring salt water on it.

Did you know that the average American adult spends more than 11 hours a day interacting with media, including television, smartphones and computers?

I was no different. I used to spend hours scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or glued to my computer for work. It seemed harmless, just a way to unwind or stay connected.

But then, I started noticing my focus waning, my thoughts scattering easily. A quick research led me to understand the potential harm of excessive screen time on our cognitive health.

Too much screen time can lead to decreased physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns and increased stress levels – all of which are bad news for our brain health.

If you’re serious about keeping your mind sharp as you age, it might be time to reconsider how much time you’re spending in front of screens.

5) Skimping on sleep

It’s like trying to run a marathon with a heavy weight tied to your ankle.

I’ve been there – burning the midnight oil, convincing myself that sleep was overrated, that I could function just fine on a few hours. It began as a way to squeeze in more work, more leisure, more of everything into my day.

But then, the inevitable happened. My mind felt sluggish, my memory was not as sharp, and my creativity seemed to be on a permanent vacation.

Sleep is not just about resting our bodies. It’s when our brain gets to work – processing information, forming memories and rejuvenating itself.

Depriving yourself of adequate sleep is like denying your brain its much-needed downtime.

Embrace the power of good sleep and say goodbye to those late nights. It might mean missing out on some late-night TV or that midnight snack, but trust me, your brain will thank you for it.

6) Not embracing new learning

It’s like owning a high-performance sports car but refusing to take it out for a spin.

I’ve always been a creature of habit, comfortably settled in my routines and my knowledge base. Taking on new learning felt like a daunting task. Why fix what’s not broken, right?

But then, I noticed a lack of flexibility in my thinking, a rigidity that wasn’t there before.

Our brains are designed to learn and adapt. It’s how we evolved as a species. When we stop learning, we’re essentially denying our brains the exercise it needs to stay fit and sharp.

Whether it’s picking up a new language, learning to play a musical instrument or mastering a new technology, new learning challenges our brains, keeps it active and enhances its cognitive abilities.

7) Avoiding mindfulness practices

It’s like living next to a serene lake but never taking time to sit by the waterside and soak in the tranquillity.

I used to think mindfulness was some sort of new-age fad, not something that could genuinely benefit my mental health. My life was always about rushing from one task to another, never truly being in the moment.

But then, I noticed my attention span dwindling, my stress levels escalating and my mind constantly buzzing with thoughts.

Mindfulness is not just about meditation or yoga. It’s about being present in the moment, focusing on the task at hand and quieting our monkey minds.

Practicing mindfulness can improve our focus, reduce stress and enhance our cognitive abilities. It’s like a workout for our minds that keeps it sharp and agile.

The final takeaway

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent effort and mindfulness. But remember, each small step towards a healthier lifestyle contributes to better brain health.

Just as philosopher René Descartes said, “It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.” And using our minds well starts with taking care of them.

So embark on this journey towards a sharper mind with patience and kindness towards yourself. Celebrate the small victories and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

With time, these healthy habits will become second nature, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a razor-sharp mind as you age.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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