Wisdom Bytes- 7 ways to keep your brain in shape for a lifetime.

1. Say hello to the Sun!-  Ensure that your are getting enough exposure to the sun or take supplements rich in Vitamin D3 daily.  Vitamin D  helps to metabolize calcium and keeps bones strong; apart from that recent research has shown that it's essential for improving our cognitive function.
2. Take some brain tonics-  Ayurvedic doctors often prescribe herbs to sharpen memory, focus & concentration to improve everyday life. The most recommend herb is "Brahmi", widely know as a brain tonic. Brahmi Improves focus; soothes our nerves yet it's not a sedative, so it improves clarity of thoughts. Chyavanprash, a tasty medical pickle packed with many minerals and herbs & is referred as Ayurvedic multivitamin. It calms Vata dosha and the presence of Vitamin C prevents memory loss. 
3. Increasing Social Contacts-  Increasing our social contacts meaningfully lowers the risk of dementia, as you engage in activities like dancing, traveling & volunteering in social events.
4. Positive Thinking-Negative thinking not only spoils your mood- it is harmful for your brain as well. Negative emotions like- Anger, Hatred, Resentment produces stress, causing stress hormone cortisol to increase. High levels of cortisol shrinks the hippocampus and causes more negative thinking. It i simportant to reframe your negative thoughts as and when they bubble up. Start looking for another way of seeing this thought or situation. This may help to transform your negative thoughts into positive ones.
5. Consume Vitamin b12- Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to memory loss. The easiest way to get this brain boosting vitamin is to eat eggs, dairy products or meat. If you are a vegan, you can also try eating fermented foods like miso, kimchee, sauerkraut or homemade pickles.
6. Meditate regularly- Meditating regularly can keep your mind nimble & clear. It helps display increased activity in brain areas associated with attention & concentration. People who meditate have the ability to focus & recall stronger, and they have a greater sense of well-being than do people who don't meditate.
7. Excercise- Regular exercise is your most powerful weapon against cognitive decline. A 2011 study suggests that the hippocampus, which typically begins to shrink in people between the ages of 55 & 60, can significantly increase in volume in those who walk for just 40 minutes a day, three times a week, thereby improving spatial memory. This means you are less likely to forget where you've put down those car keys and remembering that complex route to the park you wanted to check out.