Best Doctors: Three Ways To Stay Connected IRL
A strong social connection improves brain health, experts say.
Join a book club. ˝ Brush up on the classics, or this summer’s hot new read, with fellow bibliophiles. Whether just a small circle of friends or a formal group at the local library, stimulating the brain with thoughtful discussion makes a big difference. “You’re actually talking to people and exchanging ideas,” says Dr. Daniel Miller, a neurologist at University Hospitals.
Keep in touch with loved ones. ˝ Improving your social connections shouldn’t require a personality overhaul. Catching up with friends over coffee or sitting down to a family dinner are both major brain boosters. “You don’t have to become a social butterfly and go to parties every night,” says Miller. “Casual, non-goal-directed social interactions are very beneficial to brain health.”
Spread the love. ˝ You can’t go wrong snuggling up with a new pet — just don’t ghost your human pals. “Pet ownership lowers blood pressure, which is good for your brain because it lowers stroke risk, but it doesn’t have the same effect as a personal conversation,” cautions Miller. When it comes to brain health, time spent with humans may be superior to any four-legged alternative. Try mingling with other pet owners and their furry friends to get the best of both worlds.
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