7 ways to support brain health
A Sharp psychologist shares quick tips to help boost brain health as we get older.
Have you heard others talking about the importance of a mindfulness practice, while you’re left wondering what mindfulness really is? Not to worry. You already have the ability to be mindful — it’s a skill you were born with. It’s the practice part that might need a little more effort.
Simply put, mindfulness is about being in control of your mind, rather than your mind being in control of you. It is the ability to be fully present as we go through our daily activities and during profound or challenging experiences — a skill proven to be very useful during trying times.
“When you practice mindfulness consistently, you literally change your brain. Neurons that fire together, wire together,” says Lynn Northrop, PhD, supervisor of psychological services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. “By paying careful attention to your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, you ground yourself in the present moment and that’s really great, because that’s the only place life happens — in the present moment. And when you bring nonjudgement and self-compassion to that, you have a recipe for resilience and a more meaningful life.”
There are several ways to practice mindfulness. They key is increasing your awareness of both your mind and body, and what is going on in both. Try these three mindfulness activities to get started.
3 easy mindfulness activities
“Even if you are unable to take a moment to do one of these focused activities, you can practice mindfulness while going about your daily activities,” Dr. Northrop says. “Focus on the warmth of the water during your morning shower, savor each bite of a meal or listen to what someone is saying without thinking about what you want to say next. It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about practicing. The more you practice mindfulness, the greater the benefits you’ll see.”
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The Sharp Health News Team are content authors who write and produce stories about Sharp HealthCare and its hospitals, clinics, medical groups and health plan.
Lynn Northrop is a supervisor of psychological services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital.
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