1. Make time – plan a routine
Get organised – a planned-out routine will make life easier in the long run, helping you to remember what you’re doing when, and help you to live a healthier, more rounded life.
Break your weekly plan down into a daily routine. Plan out your days so that you know when you’re eating, when you’re resting, when you’re going out and what time you’re going to bed.
2. Eat well
We can all be guilty of cutting corners on mealtimes occasionally, but now’s the time to prioritise a well-balanced diet and regular mealtimes.
Build mealtimes into your routine plan (include shopping, meal preparation and cooking and eating into your planner), make sure you stay hydrated and avoid snacking on sugary treats.
To read more about the importance of good nutrition, click here – you can also download our handy Meal Planner here.
3. Get into a good sleep routine
Being sleep deprived doesn’t help anyone’s wellbeing and working memory, so get organised now and put a sleep schedule in place and make sure you’re ready to sleep at a set time.
Sleep tips include making sure your bedroom is conducive to good sleep in terms of darkness, comfort, noise and temperature; avoid using tech devices or watching TV an hour before bedtime; go to bed to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.
4. Stay active
Being active can help your overall health, offering some protection against lots of illnesses.
Regular exercise keeps you physically fit which will help with balance, co-ordination and flexibility and can help with bone density too, which means that if you were to fall, you’d be less likely to break a bone.
Being fit also helps with sleep. If you’re physically tired, you’re more likely to sleep well.
5. Keep your brain busy
Keeping your mind active is just as important as keeping your body physically fit. If you’ve got a hobby that you enjoy, keep it up. If you don’t really have an interest that you engage in regularly, now’s the time to take one up. Check out our ideas here
6. Be sociable
Getting out and about and meeting up with others is vital because keeping yourself isolated with have negative effects on your general mood.
Check out what’s going on in your area with our local directory here
7. Share with others
It’s important to look for help when you need it – be honest – if you’re worried you might have dementia it’s better that you share your concerns with someone rather than bottle things up.
Chatting with others in the same position can be reassuring. Why not take a look at what people are talking about in our online dementia discussions here.