A favorite exercise of mine is Tai Chi, a combination of slow, circular movements. A study by the Harvard Medical School showed that older women who practice Tai Chi regularly experienced a better fitness boost than walking briskly for three hours per week. The study pointed out that this was due to better oxygen utilization.

Tai Chi can help people suffering from arthritis and even osteoporosis. There is some evidence that indicates that the enhanced mind and body connection resulting from the practice of Tai chi can help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Whether it’s Tai Chi or any other type of exercise the most important thing is to just do it.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress increases your heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to stroke. There are two categories of stress. The first type, acute stress, is also known as the flight or fight reaction where the brain produces chemicals that tell the body to speed up, making it perform more effectively. This is the type of stress you’ll experience when another car pulls out in front of you causing you to hit your brakes suddenly. This type of stress is normal and short-lived.

The second type of stress is known as chronic or long-term stress. This stress is abnormal and long lasting. There is strong evidence that this type of stress actually damages the brain. It occurs when we don't let go of stress. Chronic stress increases the release of stress hormones. Studies have shown that these stress hormones can actually kill nerve cells in animals and can probably do the same in humans.

One method of reducing chronic stress is through exercise. Stress can also be reduced through meditation. Another proven method is through hypnosis. Using the visualization process hypnosis can help a person learn to remain calm and relaxed even while experiencing an event that had been stressful to them in the past.

Whatever method of stress reduction you choose, it’s important to remember that taking steps to reduce chronic stress will improve your overall health. It will also help you sustain your mental abilities.

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