An Epileptic asks, "What are you doing to keep your brain healthy?"

Each day, I wake up knowing that I have one of two options mentally and physically: actively engage my mind and body or watch both of them deteriorate.

Here is what I mean. I am thankful for my meds that keep my seizures at bay, but every effective med has a side effect. Meds apparently can’t do just one thing, so while they may accomplish their intended purpose, they are also affecting other parts of your body.

For mine, their primary side effects are clumsiness, fatigue, and some measure of brain fog. Under the guidance of my neurologist, he advised me to fight these effects with several approaches.

Physically: He encouraged me to maintain my efforts in running as the increased metabolic result fights the sluggishness caused by the meds.

Dietary: He recommended a low-carb diet (not no-carb, but low-carb) along with massive amounts of water. Excess sugar is harmful to brain function, while hydration aids brain function.

Mentally: My doctor felt I needed to increase focused brain activities like reading and memorization. Towards that end, I began reading more before bed, and I plan on beginning a memorization plan this year.

Additionally, I’ve added other disciplines that have netted me positive results. I’ve begun 30-minute stretching sessions early in the morning. These help with injury prevention from the running and they give me opportunities to pray and prepare myself mentally for the day.

I’ve also undertaking specific writing goals. I am a life-long writer, but my efforts were becoming rote. Having a target to hit helped me engage my brain more effectively;

So, how about you? How are you going to keep your brain healthy as you get older? What are you doing to purposefully challenge your thinking and to break old patterns? Remember, your old patterns may be healthy, but if you don’t switch them up, they may no longer be engaging your thoughts and creativity as they once did.

No matter what, we only have one body folks. We may be able to replace a few things here and there, but we’ve only got one brain.

If I can be an encouragement to any of you in your efforts, please let me know.