Better mood, better memory? It sounds so simple, and yet researchers have found that it’s true. A recent study in Cognition & Emotion claims that seniors aged 63-85 who were given a gift and thank-you card performed better on tests involving memory and decision making. Here’s how to boost your own mood—and maybe give your brain a boost, too!
Fresh air and sunshine are mood-boosting powerhouses that don’t cost a thing. Go outside and enjoy the season. If you can, take a stroll around the block with a friend while you’re at it. Exercise, socializing, and a dose of vitamin D from the sun will make you feel like a million bucks.
Making others feel good makes us feel better, too. Studies have found that people who volunteer are less stressed, happier, and more fulfilled than those who don’t. There are countless ways to get involved in your community, from pitching in a soup kitchen to tending a community garden. Find something that’s meaningful to you and offer a few hours of your time. Everyone wins!
Laughter might not be the best medicine, but it’s still pretty high on the list. Researchers have found that watching a comedy can trigger endorphins—brain chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel happier even after the credits roll. If movies aren’t your thing, try spending time with children or pets. Their antics are often funnier than anything Hollywood comes up with!
Regular exercise might be the single best thing you can do for your health. Researchers have found that exercise eases the symptoms of depression in seniors. Aim for a simple exercise program that’s challenging without being so hard you hurt yourself. We have plenty of tips here! [LINK]
One of the best ways to boost memory and feel happier is to pick up an instrument. Even if you’ve never played before, learning a few simple songs on the keyboard or guitar improves neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to absorb, store, and retrieve information. The ukulele is a particularly fun and easy instrument (not to mention relatively inexpensive). Check to see if your area has a ukulele group and start strumming along!
This is a quick fix that tastes great, too. Grab a cup of coffee—no decaf, either—and you’ll feel better. Not only does coffee improve your mood, but it can also boost your brain power and ability to recall information. Researchers believe that the positives effects are down to the combo of caffeine with the antioxidant cholinergic acid found in coffee.
Reading is one of the great pleasures in life. You can travel anywhere without leaving your comfy chair! Plus, reading helps boost our ability to reason, make new memories, and empathize with others. Reading in the evenings is the perfect way to relax before bed. If you want to get even more benefits, try joining a book club. You’ll get to socialize with other readers and brush up your analytic thinking skills, too.
