Brain Building Challenge Week Two

You made it through week two - yay you!!

Brain Challenge #9: Its Monday - we all deserve a bit of a break for showing up today. Treat yourself to a bit of dark chocolate. I know your diet was supposed to start today but dark chocolate, among other health benefits, improves blood circulation to the brain, improves cognitive functioning, increases memory retention and improves mood so indulge yourself, your brain deserves it. *remember moderation is key, while pure dark chocolate has all of these benefits most consumable dark chocolate also contains fat and sugar which are not fantastic for us. Here and Here are two articles that explore it further.

Brain Challenge #10: Find something to laugh at. You know what makes you laugh, seek it out. You will relieve tension, improve relationships, increase endorphines and clear up the fog in your brain. Here and Here  and Here are articles that explore it further.

Brain Challenge #11: Stretch your muscles for at least 15 minutes. Regular stretching several times a week can improve your focus and attention span.

Brain Challenge #12: Take a different route today.  Breaking familiar patterns in our daily routine builds and strengthens new connections in your brain cells.

Brain Challenge #13: Add Rosemary to your dinner tonight. Whether you cook your chicken in it, dip your bread in it or steep it in a tea, it slows the degradation of acetylchholine which is involved in developing new memories, and regulating muscle activity.

Brain Challenge #14: Remember these? Play a card game today, with real cards not your app. Along with strengthening long and short term memory you are building problem solving and using parts of your brain that zone out with tech engagement. Information on how this benefits seniors here, how it benefits children and families here, game rules here and finally just for fun your brain on candy crush here.

Great work!!! Take today to think through what worked for you and what you can integrate more regularly into your schedule. Any brain use is beneficial, keep using it so you don’t lose it.

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