Ten ways to keep your brain young - part 3

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8. Reduce stress

Cutting stress levels is easier said then done, we know, but being able to relax is as beneficial to your mood as it is to your brain.

When you're stressed or in danger your body releases hormones called adrenaline and cortisol. The adrenaline makes your heart and reactions faster and the cortisol helps regulate your blood sugar.

This is great if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to run away from something, but if you're producing these hormones every day, then they can damage the brain, especially the part in charge of your short-term memory.

Take 10 minutes a day to try this simple breathing exercise to help you relax:
- Lie on your back or sit in a comfy chair in a quiet place and slowly relax your body.
- Begin by breathing in slowly through your nose, filling the lower part of your chest, the middle and all the way to the top. Do this slowly over eight to 10 seconds.
- Hold your breath for two seconds before relaxing and letting the air out.
- Wait another few seconds before repeating this.

By concentrating on your breathing you're not thinking about the washing up or the bills or anything else that may be worrying you.

9. Eat more

Good news, eating more can actually help improve your brain! We're not encouraging you to stuff you face with chocolate every five minutes, but eating small meals frequently can help regulate the amount of blood sugar. Low blood sugar makes you feel tired and irritable and sluggish.

Try following the Eat Every 13 Minutes diet to boost your brain power and help you lose weight.

10. Make more friends

A study has shown that having lots of friends can reduce the risk of developing dementia in the elderly. The research showed that people who don't have many friends or relatives to talk to were one and a half times more likely to suffer because they don't get enough emotional or intellectual stimulation.

It's never too late to make new friends either, why not chat to other goodtoknow readers now. Signing up takes less than a minute and you'll be able to talk to others about anything from health to family, ask for advice and share your own experiences.