Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
Many of us may have deviated from our brain-healthy habits over the holiday season, so it might be a good time to step back and make a plan to gradually start incorporating some wiser choices. Maybe you were enjoying foods you normally do not eat and also exercising less frequently. Your sleep routine may have been very different. But it is temporary and hopefully you want to get back to those better habits; back to reality. It is said, when you know better you will try and do better.
“One small step + desired behavior = high probability of further steps.” ~Stephen Guise
The exceptions you made during the holidays, on special occasions or a vacation may not be something you want to turn into a habit AGAIN. Many of us, including myself, appreciated and enjoyed the holiday treats but are choosing not to continue them into 2026. Perhaps the regular exercise routines were not possible or activities were such that sleep patterns were totally disrupted. Maybe you just need to do a bit of modification to get back on track. For others, especially if you have traveled away from home, it might be a bigger challenge.
“Awareness precedes change.” ~Robin S. Sharma
Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to start making some positive changes or improve your compliance to those habits that are more inconsistent. Doing it all at once can be overwhelming, so explore the pillars of brain health and make a plan to tackle only one or a few things you want to make a priority at first.
Perhaps you will focus on the easier habit or it could be there is something you know needs to change sooner rather than later. Consider partnering with a friend or family member who has a similar desire since it might sometimes be helpful for some needed support. You may want to check with your physician in certain situations.
Brain health matters on so many levels. Not only is it about safety but also your quality of life. It can be helpful to assess what you have learned or what you want to explore more in depth. Be careful where you get your information. There are no quick fixes and research supports the fact that your lifestyle choices have a significant impact on your cognitive well-being. Certainly diet, exercise and sleep are a few of the main pillars of brain health.
As you move into the new year, it is important to consider your habits and routines and some of the choices you have been making for years. Current research is offering more information that can help you if you want to build the neural connections in your brain to help protect cognitive decline.
Challenging your brain with new options is essential. Doing just the same “favorite activity” is fine but tackle something new for 2026. If crossword puzzles are your thing, maybe try Sudoku, which is a numbers game. Several years ago, I had a patient I was seeing after a mild stroke and she was an expert but struggled with it during recovery. I started her out with very simple grids and once she was back in the “groove” and feeling a bit more confident, we moved to puzzles where half of the numbers were supplied. Eventually, she returned to her former level. Doing this with her actually got me interested because my focus has always been on word games.
If you have “word/brain” games you prefer on your electronic devices, vary your choices. Yes, I admit I got caught up in the Wordle craze and now I have a few other favorites I do almost daily before breakfast. Just remember that it is the new and varied experiences that will be more beneficial so switching it around is key or increasing the complexity.
Socialization is an essential key for keeping your brain engaged and novelty can help to keep your mind from stagnation. Nurture new connections. Look for things that bring you joy, and variety really does matter! Stimulating all the senses is important – sight, sound, taste, touch and smell activate different parts of your brain, so keep that in mind when you consider your options.
Maybe find something you enjoy and vary it. Perhaps it is cooking a new recipe, or taking a walk in nature in a new area. When possible, visit a museum or attend one of the many programs at your library. They are a treasure chest of options and it is also a great way to meet new people who may have similar interests. If you are able to take pictures, that becomes another way of sharing the experience and also engaging your mind as you recall and share some of the details.
Your resolution for 2026 could be to get “out of your box” and try something different for a change. See if it can be added to your options for your journey on maximizing your quality of life and engaging your brain in new ways. Better sensory engagement has many benefits. It can help with cognitive stimulation, and reduces stress, which can lead to better sleep while boosting your overall health. It may even lead to a new interest to explore.
“Every day brings new choices.” ~Martha Beck
