Mayday, mayday, mayday!! Mayday is a signal for distress known internationally! And to clarify that it is a distress call, it is repeated twice more. During stressful periods of life and living the day to day aging process, some individuals signal distress to their mates, their friends, and their families. All us have our own distress, the inability to stay mentally alert is a fear that affect many individuals. How can you prevent or slow down this process?
Ideally, what we do to fight back the throes of aging is to be aware that we can be our worst enemy or our best friend. To re-engage ourselves in living, the best way is to find a mechanism that will “free” us up from any “bad” moment. That mechanism is called joy – just laughter and good positive things. Once you do that, it opens your capacity for being realistic as to how you are going to approach the rest of your life, because each day is the beginning of the beginning. Consciously, incorporate those mechanisms into your daily activities. Don’t ever quit trying to make yourself remember. Become better every day, don’t just “hang on”.
How can we stay mentally alert?
- Enjoy yourself. Bring joy and laughter into your life
- Keep your mind busy. Read books, work crossword puzzles, learn new things, learn new words, challenge yourself.
- Know your purpose. Find your purpose and act upon it. Do not think that you have no purpose any longer if you are retired or are aging. Think about what you love to do and act upon it.
- Remember to just take a step toward something new. One step is the beginning of the journey.
- Exercise. Keep your body healthy by exercising. Whether you choose yoga, walking, running, bike riding, weights, or tai chi, exercise and move. It keeps your blood flowing to all parts of your body, including your brain.
- Eat healthy. Eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables, every day.
- Stay hydrated. For men, the average amount of water to drink daily is 15.5 cups or 124 ounces; for women, the average is 11.5 cups or 92 ounces. (mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256)
- Consider using NAD+. “NAD+ plays an important protective role in some age-related degenerative disease states. NAD+ can improve mitochondrial function and maintain sufficient levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). NAD+ influences DNA repair, and immune and longevity processes. Raising NAD+ levels can balance energy needs with supply and protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.” (Braidy & Liu, 2020) Talk to your provider about taking NAD+.
- Hormone replacement therapy. Discuss your needs for hormone replacement therapy with your provider.
Which of the above actions will you start this new week? Please leave your answer in the comment section.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Mike
References:
Braidy, N., & Liu, Y. (2020). NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis. Experimental Gerontology, 132(4), 110831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.110831