Our caring staff members at Sunset View Cemetery Association know the importance of keeping our brains sharp as we get older. We encourage our neighbors in El Cerrito, Oakland, and Piedmont to prioritize their mental health no matter their age. There are some simple things you can do every week to help keep your brain fit.

Eat for brain health.

It’s common knowledge that what you eat affects your physical health, but it also impacts your brain. The Mediterranean diet has been proven to increase longevity and includes delicious food options like olive oil, fish, beans, fresh veggies, and more. Studies have shown that eating this way decreases the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Get regular exercise.

Exercise is a great way to stay mentally fit and has been proven to lower your risk of mental decline. Try to get at least a half hour of cardiovascular exercise most days of the week. This can be a walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride, or a hike on a nature trail. If you have a gym membership, swimming is a fun form of exercise that’s easy on the joints.

Spend quality time with family and friends.

Depression and stress can lead to cognitive decline, especially when prolonged. Connecting with loved ones can lower your stress levels and boost your mood. Make plans to regularly spend time with family and friends. Joining a book club, a gym class, or another group that meets weekly can help you build your social network.

Challenge your brain with stimulating activities.

Though it can be tempting to watch television or scroll social media in your free time, doing an activity like reading a book, playing Sudoku, or completing a crossword puzzle can be much better for your brain. Learning a new language or attending trivia events with friends are more fun ways to keep your brain healthy.

Embrace stress-relieving practices.

Taking part in meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices can improve cognitive function. As a result, you may see your stress levels lower and your sleep quality improve. Gentle yoga features physical movements and breath patterns to connect our brains, bodies, and spirits.

We know it’s not always easy to keep your brain sharp. Removing the stress of funeral planning can help. Consider making prearrangements with our staff. Contact our team to learn more.