Caring for The Mind and Body

Looking after your body physically is one of the kindest ways you can care for your mind. Research shows that regular exercise for brain health helps protect memory. Staying physically active supports mental wellbeing and cognitive health at any age.

Movement Fuels the Brain: How Exercise Boosts Mental and Cognitive Health

Physically moving, encourages blood flow and oxygen to the brain: the two things the brain needs to stay alert and healthy. Even 20–30 minutes of daily exercise for brain health can make a difference.

Walking, gardening, cycling, or swimming all help to keep the body and mind active. Exercise also supports blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of diabetes, another factor linked to dementia.

Healthy Circulation, Healthy Brain

Healthy blood vessels keep the brain resilient and lowers the risk of dementia. Experts recommend aerobic and strength exercises daily.

Simple Strength-Building

Strength-building supports both body and brain health, improving balance and confidence. Strength-building can be simple: lifting small weights or household items, using resistance bands, doing yoga or Pilates, or even heavy gardening.

The important thing is to keep moving – however that looks for you.

Staying Active with Dementia

Even gentle exercise for dementia patients can lift mood and support wellbeing.

For those already living with dementia, staying active can be harder. It often requires extra support and encouragement – yet, even gentle exercise can lift mood and improve wellbeing. What matters is participation. 

It’s Never Too Late to Start

It’s never too late to start – exercise for healthy ageing can rebuild strength and clarity at any age.

The good thing about fitness is it meets you where you are. Each small step brings renewed strength and confidence – proof that the body and mind are always capable of change. (Source: pressbanner.com)

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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