BRAIN HEALTH: 5 Tips from Dr. Sanjay Gupta's new book Keep Sharp

LET’S GIVE OUR BRAINS A WORKOUT

In his new book, Keep Sharp, Dr. Sanjay Gupta advocates for simple lifestyle changes that can lead to better lifelong brain health.

Here are 5 tips for cognitive resilience that we can implement through our daily habits. If changing your habits or getting enough sleep seems difficult, remember that CBT can help.

1. EXERCISE 
   Be more active. Exercise 150 minutes per week. (Walking counts!)
2. STIMULATE YOUR BRAIN  
   Seek out cerebral challenges to help keep your brain engaged.
3. SLEEP WELL 
   Dr. Gupta recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to help the brain consolidate memories and remove waste. (*Therapy Lab offers CBT for Insomnia to help tackle sleep challenges.)
4. NOURISH YOUR BODY
   Dr. Gupta recommends reducing sugar, planning meals ahead of time, and reducing portion size. (*Always consult with your doctor before making diet changes.)
5. ENJOY A VIBRANT SOCIAL LIFE 
   Brain health is associated with maintaining rich social connections as well as letting go of grudges. (*If social anxiety or other challenges prevent you from enjoying your social life, remember that CBT can help. Therapy Lab offers plans that can help with relationship satisfaction and social anxiety.)

It’s especially important to work on these habits in middle age, before neurological slips are noticeable.  Learn more about brain health and resilience in Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta.

Interested in therapy? Schedule a phone consultation to speak with a Care Coordinator about CBT and get matched with a therapist.