Staying Young

How to Stay Young
Strange title to appear in a Success/Motivation blog. We all know the parts about eating right, exercising and getting plenty of rest. I have found an additional step that helps both the physical and mental body. Keep learning. Many tests have proven that “exercising” the brain keeps it functioning better and longer. It even partially offsets, or delays, the impact of alzheimers and dementia. Here are some brain activities that can keep us younger longer:
-Sudoku and cross-word puzzles are challenging and stimulating
 -Reading - biographies, self-help and fiction. Including the Bible and other spiritual books is great. Joining, or starting, a group that discusses books and articles is helpful. I attend a Men’s Bible Study every Thursday morning that is really stimulating.

 -Listening to CDs in the car is good and it takes advantage of free time.

One of the books on my Favorites list is Earl’s Pearls on Enjoying Excellence. One of the Pearl’s is Keep Learning and the emphasis is on “No matter how old you are, never stop learning.” Earl says that “Reading is an important habit to continually fuel you with new ideas and information that you can bring to your work, your home and all your activities.”
A sad fact that I have heard multiple times is that most adults never read a book after they complete their formal education. The Bible says to keep growing and it helps keep our brains and bodies young. It keeps our brains working better.  Those are good reasons to keep learning.
If you aren’t in the habit of “exercising” your brain in these ways, decide today what you are going to do and set some specific goals for how to make it happen. For example, I have a written goal to do at least 100 Sudoku puzzles each year. So when I complete a puzzle, I put the date and a number by it. It is July and last night I did #62. So I know I’m on schedule to complete my 100.
I went to a luncheon a few years back and sat by a lady who was 80 plus and very sharp and articulate. She told me that she made it a point to “learn something every day.” That is a pretty good idea and it sure worked for her. Keep going and keep growing!