Do you take your brain for granted?  It isn’t a body part you are likely to think much about, however it needs just as much attention as the rest of your body.  Although you may be in good physical shape, don’t forget to flex your mental muscle too.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your mind sharp!

Boost Up Your B12

When it comes to B vitamins, vitamin B9 is probably the most popular brain booster. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, fish and milk, also deserves attention.  According to Juliet Cohen, author of  “The Benefits of Vitamin B12,” B12 has a solid reputation as an energy booster that is needed for a healthy nervous system. According to Cohen, as we age, the brain shrinks as Vitamin B12 levels decrease. So be sure to adjust your diet to include more B12 foods or take a daily multivitamin containing adequate levels of B12.

Keep Your Brain Active

The best way to flex your brain muscle is by keeping it active. Each year make a commitment to learn something new like a second language, take an art class, or dance lessons, or learn to play a musical instrument. Whatever the activity, the brain needs the stimulation to stay healthy. Have fun and enjoy everything that life has to offer.

Brain Workout

There are a great variety of activities that can help improve your memory and help your mental acuity. Activities such as writing, reading, solving puzzles, memory card games, etc. can give your brain a good workout and improve your memory.

Socialize Your Mind

Get together with your friends and family regularly, or make new friends. Being socially active is a great way to stay mentally active. Social activities allow you to interact with new people, experience new things, sights and sounds. The key is to stimulate your brain through healthy interaction.

Rest Your Brain

Just as the rest of your body, your brain needs plenty of rest. Make sure your brain is not being deprived of much needed sleep every night.  People who don’t get enough sleep tend to have trouble with their memory. If you have a hard time falling asleep, try to relax by drinking a warm cup of tea, take a relaxing bath, listen to soothing music or try breathing exercises to help you wind down and relax your mind.