Dementia takes a heavy toll on the mind and body. Alzheimer’s Research UK notes that one in every two people will be affected by dementia in some way, whether through developing the illness, caring for a loved one who has it, or both.
According to the charity, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, increasing from just under 1 million people currently.
While this data may feel concerning, the organisation suggests in further research that 45% of dementia cases can be prevented. Indeed, a study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that one of the more potent ways of doing so involves reading and writing more frequently, with a projected 40% decrease in dementia risk.
Finding the time to read and write more could be the key to maintaining your long-term brain health.
Here are four helpful ways to do just that, from developing micro-habits to joining a book club.
1. Take a considered approach to your news feed
Instead of scrolling mindlessly through pages of news or countless social media posts, consider replacing that time with curated snippets of information. You could subscribe to a specialised newsletter relevant to your industry or find a weekly digest that takes a deep dive into a topic you’re passionate about.
The goal is to replace clickbait headlines and endless short-form videos with high-quality content that gets your brain working.
2. Keep a journal to record your thoughts and ideas
Committing to write more may feel intimidating, but you don’t need to sit down and pen a bestseller. Effectively, you want to build a small but sustainable habit that keeps your brain active and your critical thinking skills sharp.
Keeping a journal can be a useful way of doing this.
Psychology Today notes that keeping a journal and the act of regular writing are not only helpful for managing stress and anxiety but could support your mental wellbeing.
How you journal is up to you, and there are several ways to do so.
For example, you could use the last five minutes of your workday to write a quick summary of your time. This could include:
- A problem you encountered and solved (or how you intend to solve it)
- A new concept, lesson, or piece of information you learned
- A notable decision you made that may shape the rest of your week.
You may also want to use your journal as a means of self-reflection, and you could jot down:
- Your thoughts about a film you’ve watched or a book you’ve read.
- How a certain situation or encounter made you feel.
- Ways to handle day-to-day problems and potential future issues.
While the subject matter will be important, the physical act of writing is the key here. Whether to iron out a problem or recap a busy workday, putting pen to paper will help stretch your mind’s muscles.
3. Develop a strong reading habit by joining a book club
For a two-fold reading and socialising solution, consider joining a book club. This could be in person or online, but the social commitment can provide some much-needed accountability when you feel unable to make reading a priority.
More than that, discussing a book is a great way to sharpen your critical thinking skills, as you may be asked to defend your ideas and opinions. If you want to get even more out of the experience, try writing a short review or summary after your meetup. This can help stretch both your analytical skills and test your writing chops, turning a social hour into a mental workout.
As a side note, if your schedule is tight, you can still indulge in some reading time. By keeping a book or article ready to go, you can turn small pockets of downtime, such as waiting for a meeting or sitting on a commute, into productive time. Even a few minutes each day can be beneficial.
4. Set up your environment for success by pre-empting sticking points
Your biggest barrier may not be a lack of interest. Indeed, decision fatigue or the pull of easy browsing could keep you from developing meaningful and productive habits. To help ensure that these new habits stick, it’s important to address where you might meet resistance.
By setting your environment up for success, you can essentially automate the process. Have a book already chosen and sitting on your desk or bedside table. Keep a journal open with some pre-written prompts already pencilled in on a few pages. Ensure you’re building a space around you that supports your goals, not one that hinders them.
Keeping it simple could serve you in the long-term
While you may want to dive straight in, keeping these goals low-pressure is important to ensure they stick. Even small changes can have lasting effects on your mental wellbeing later in life.
Here at Globe IFA, we often talk about protecting your financial future, but it’s just as important to protect the mental wellbeing of your future self.
Let us worry about the first bit. You focus on your next good read.
Get in touch
Email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how our expert financial advisors can help you manage your long-term financial plans.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
