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At this point, you have received a basic introduction to and are practicing the five levels of the BEST program. Your body should feel better (it may look better, too), and you should feel a greater balance between your mind and body, as well as a heightened level of self-awareness and energy.
Therefore, weeks 7 & 8 are about complementing your ongoing training, which should now be up to 60 minutes daily, to realize a fuller, healthier you. You’ll do this by building an awareness of the three traits that contribute to long, active, and cognitively strong lives:
1. Physical vitality
2. Mental vitality
3. Emotional vitality.
Physical Vitality
Continuing your BEST activities alone will keep you physically vital. However, to reap the full rewards of your training, take control of your diet. Eat foods that improve brain function and are good sources of energy: antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and whole grains. It is also important to drink plenty of water. It fuels your brain and enhances your learning and memory. Here are some smart food choices:
1. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
2. Leafy green vegetables
3. Beans
4. Nuts
5. Coldwater fish (salmon, trout, and tuna)
6. Eggs
7. Beef
8. Whole grains
9. Tea
10. Water
Mental Vitality
Play games (dominoes, chess), work on solving puzzles (crosswords, Soduku) or teach yourself a new skill (guitar, foreign language). These activities challenge your brain to make new connections by demanding that it analyze new information and solve problems. Also be mindful of your routines; they block the formation of new neural connections. To prevent this from happening, play mind games. For instance, challenge yourself to do everything with your opposite hand, including writing, for one full day. You will be able to feel your capacity to use another part of your brain improving as your coordination improves.
Emotional Vitality
Studies show that people who have close connections with their family, friends, and community are happier. Studies also show that people who volunteer to meaningful causes find greater fulfillment in their life. So throughout the next two weeks find a way to make a difference in someone’s life everyday, whether it be through volunteering at a local nonprofit organization or reaching out to a friend or family member.
►About In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging
►About the Authors
►Authors Q&A
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