REGISTER
CHAT
WITH US

How Mental Well-Being Boosts Brain Health

How Mental Well-Being Boosts Brain Health

No matter our age, gender or background, we all face challenges throughout our lives. We might feel overwhelmed in our jobs or struggle to find work at all. We might be going through big life changes, battling illness or grieving the loss of a loved one. A certain amount of stress is inevitable, but it’s important to find ways to cope.

For many of us, that can mean turning to religious or spiritual practice. We may feel happier, calmer and even healthier. In fact, there is a growing body of research showing a positive effect of spirituality on our health. For instance, in a Baycrest study, higher levels of spirituality were linked to the slower progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

An Easy Mind Means a Healthy Brain

“When faced with the declining health of a loved one, religion and spirituality can provide family members with substantial comfort...”

 “Spirituality is our quest for meaning, purpose and fulfilment, often in the context of something greater than ourselves,” says Rabbi Dr. Geoffrey Haber, director of Spiritual Care at Baycrest. Religious practice is a way to experience this, but spirituality is a broader concept. When we take part in an activity or hobby that gives us a feeling of awe, grandeur or connection, we engage in spirituality – from reading Scripture to expressing ourselves through art or cooking up a nutritious meal.

To further investigate the connection between spirituality and Alzheimer’s disease, a joint study was recently launched by researchers at Baycrest and Argentinian research institutes - the Fleni Institute (Buenos Aires), the Kremer Private Institute (Córdoba) and Consultants (Mar del Plata). The scientists are examining individuals with Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment (a stage that precedes Alzheimer’s disease) and exploring whether a person’s level of spirituality affects their decline in thinking and memory skills, as well as their development of behavioural changes.

“Religion and spirituality could have beneficial effects on health through a physiological, psychological, sociological and theological level, which could be helpful in advising clients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” says Dr. Priscila Elliott, a neuropsychologist from the Kremer Private Institute in Argentina and one of the leaders of the study.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, spirituality is a way to feel connected and content. For example, they may paint, create something out of clay or listen to music they know from their childhood. The resulting feeling of contentment can follow them all day, even if they don’t remember why. Their family members can also take part. “When faced with the declining health of a loved one, religion and spirituality can provide family members with substantial comfort and connectedness to help them approach each new day with positivity and hope,” says Rabbi Haber. Regardless of the challenges we face and our cognitive status, it seems we can all benefit from engaging in spiritual practice.

 

How to Look After Your Mental Health Each Day

  • Belonging to a faith tradition and taking part in services or other activities with people
  • Making and keeping good relationships
  • Taking part in rituals, symbolic practices and other forms of worship
  • Spending time enjoying nature
  • Going on pilgrimages and retreats
  • Engaging in acts of compassion
  • Spending time in meditation, reflection or prayer
  • Being creative: painting, sculpture, cooking, gardening, etc.
  • Reading Scripture
  • Listening to, singing and/or playing sacred music
  • Joining in team sports or other activities that involve cooperation and trust

 

Look After Your Brain and Mind at 50+ at The Aspen Tree in The Forestias Operated by Baycrest

 Enjoy a clear mind and stay free from worry at 50+ and you’ll be looking after your body and brain too. You can protect yourself from both Alzheimer's and memory loss with a convenient, comfortable environment where you feel at ease.

Live life to the full in the free time of life at The Aspen Tree in The Forestias. It’s a community designed and developed with research leaders and world-leading centers like Canada’s Baycrest to give you the finest Holistic Lifetime Care.

Full facilities and Health & Wellness programs enhance your lifestyle. You can enjoy yoga, swimming, singing, playing music, meditation, outdoor activities, hydrotherapy, and lots more to help boost your physical, mental, and brain health.

The Aspen Tree at The Forestias also has a Health & Brain Center that provides health services and slows down the onset of dementia. A team of healthcare specialists is on hand 24 hours a day for your peace of mind and holistic well-being.

Find out more now CLICK  https://mqdc.com/aspentree

Call 1265

LINE OA: @TheAspenTree CLICK https://mqdc.link/3Emhkde

 

Source

http://baycrest.uberflip.com/baycrest/brainmatters-spring-summer-2020

PUBLISHED : 5 months ago

facebook twitter line

RELATE ARTICLES

MQDC
Confirmation