10 Ways to Stay Sharp Mentally and Physically After Retirement

by Cynthia Barnett

1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise-By being physically active, you can improve your mental and physical health tremendous. By simply spending 30 minutes or more a day exercising, you can prolong your life span and prevent many illnesses. So, join a health club or go for a walk or jog. Not only will you feel mentally clear but you’ll also reduce the risk of blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer or other diseases. So, don’t be a couch potato be a healthy and hot exercise potato.

2. Engage in mentally stimulating activities - Keep your mind sharp. Engage in mentally stimulating activities that will improve your problem solving and analytical skills. Try your hand at writing an article, solving a crossword puzzle, reading a good book, or playing checkers or chess.

3. Communicate with others - As social beings, humans need to unburden themselves in order to stay sharp mentally. By being open and receptive to others and sharing your feelings with your intimate friends or spouse, you can stay mentally sharp. In fact, research shows that people who communicate and

trust in others, are happier and healthier. So, start talking!

4. Avoid drugs and alcohol - Not only should you limit your alcohol consumption but you should also avoid taking illegal drugs. These can have a detrimental effect on your brain cells and can lead to irreversible damage or death.

5. Protect yourself - While driving or riding a bike, always protect yourself by using seat belts and a helmet. Injuries to head or spinal cord can negatively affect your mental faculties. So, don’t take chances with your health!

6. Manage stress - Do not let allow stress to negatively affect you. It can cause a host of medical illnesses and damage your spirit. Learn to control stress before it controls you. Engage in yoga, meditation and other activities that lessen or eliminate stress altogether.

7. Watch your diet - What you eat has a direct bearing on your mental and physical performance. Therefore, you should commit yourself to eating the right foods.

8. Get enough rest - Ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep every single night. By getting enough

sleep, you’ll protect your body from diseases and will feel better mentally and physically.

9. Modify your lifestyle -Modify your lifestyle to reflect your priorities such as smoking or being a couch potato. Make sure that you eliminate potentially dangerous behaviors and only engage in activities that bring you joy.

10. Remain positive - Remember that life is what you make of it. By staying positive and realizing that your life does indeed have a purpose, you can remain mentally sharp and physically fit.

Dr. Cynthia Barnett is a “re-fired” educator who has reinvented her life, moving from the schoolhouse to an entrepreneurial venue. Dr. Barnett is the author of “Stop Singing the Blues: 10 Powerful Strategies for Hitting the High Notes in Your Life” and RE-FIRE, Don’t Retire : 7 Powerful Strategies for an Extraordinary Life Now and in Retirement.(http://www.stopsingingtheblues.com/). She was featured in Time magazine for their article about women in mid-life who have reinvented themselves.

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