March is Brain Health awareness month, there are many things that you can do to keep your brain healthy including being physically active, managing high blood pressure, eating healthy, managing stress, and staying social.
In human evolution humans have been social creatures and worked together in tribes and groups for survival, in cultures where elders live closely to friends and family they have an improved quality of life. Humans are hard wired for connection and it is an important part of overall well being.
The benefits to being social are many and some include; living longer, mood boosting, sense of purpose, and improved cognitive function. Being social increase the level of dopamine (feel good hormone) and oxytocin into the bodies nervous system, and increases overall life satisfaction and reduces cortisol the stress hormone in the body.
There are many studies which have shown the effects of loneliness and isolation from the pandemic and the decline in mental and physical health, sleep disorders and substance abuse, to name a few. Social isolation increases the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and depression and more.
What can we do to be more social for our brain health?
- Make a conscious effort to reconnect with old friends or new ones
- Go to community events
- Join a community group, organization or even a religious organization
- Volunteer
Community programs and social activities may keep your brain active as well as improving your overall well being. There are many opportunities to be social in our community, to improve your brain and over all health. Whitevalley Community Resource Centre is one example with social and meal programs for seniors and volunteer opportunities.
Whitevalley Resource Center would like to thank our sponsors, The United Way, and Interior Health.
