Tech for brain health: taking care of your mental wellbeing
With so much happening in the world today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress, anxiety, and worry can affect not just your mood, but your memory and thinking too. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with some kind of mental health challenge, a crisis that only grew after COVID-19.
The good news? While you can’t control what’s happening in the world, there are simple things you can do right here at home to feel better and stay sharp.
try mindfulness
Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment (e.g. what you’re seeing, feeling, or doing) without judging yourself. It’s easier than it sounds, and research shows it can help older adults maintain memory and mental clarity.
a few things people get wrong about mindfulness:
- You don’t have to clear your mind. Just notice your thoughts and let them drift by, like clouds over the Ko‘olau range.
- You don’t have to sit cross-legged on the floor. Practice while sitting in your favorite chair, taking a walk on the beach, or even doing dishes.
- It doesn’t take a lot of time. Even 10 minutes a day makes a real difference.
where to start
You don’t need any special equipment. But if you’d like a little guidance, here are some easy options:
- Calm – An app with breathing exercises, sleep help, and stress relief. It offers a 7-day free trial for premium service, then $14.99/month or $79.99/year, and also has a free YouTube channel and Spotify podcast. Kaiser Permanente offers the Calm app for free to its members.
- Headspace – A popular meditation app with an AI companion to talk through your thoughts. Free trial available for full access, then $12.99/month or $69.99/year. Free content on YouTube and Spotify too.
- The Honest Guys – Free on YouTube and Spotify. A calming, human voice guides you through relaxation and sleep meditations. A wonderful option if you prefer to keep it simple and free.
- Great Meditations – Also free on YouTube and Spotify, with peaceful guided sessions by a collaboration of individuals to help you unwind.
Tip: Check with your health insurance provider. Some plans cover meditation app subscriptions.
words of wisdom
One of our kupuna shared a beautiful reminder to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are. Try to be better, but don’t beat yourself up over mistakes.
Being kinder to yourself and others is something we can all do, and it makes our whole community a better place to live.
Taking care of your wellbeing is an act of aloha for yourself and everyone around you. Start small, be gentle with yourself, and remember that even a few quiet, mindful moments each day can make a world of difference.
