A new study highlights that 65.7 million individuals are at risk of developing dementia by 2030, and entrepreneurs are not exempt from this concern. What’s particularly worrying is that many people can continue to perform their daily tasks without realizing that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is progressing rapidly. Entrepreneurs are also included by this because they rely on their thinking skills every day, which are essential for their business success. The study suggests ways for people to improve their cognitive functions and stay sharp.
Key Findings
The study has shown that merely doing physical exercises alone does not produce significant benefits for cognitive function. Instead, the research reveals that a combination of physical and mental activities can help boost cognitive skills, particularly in remembering things. This combination of activities led to significant improvements in several areas:
- Overall brain function (global cognition)
- Executive function (planning and organizing tasks)
- Memory
- Gait performance (the way people walk)
The improvements were more noticeable with the combined approach compared to just physical exercise, but not significantly different when compared to mental training alone. While the study shows that combined activities can enhance overall cognitive functions, it doesn’t seem to significantly boost attention or mobility.
How to Boost Thinking Skills
Entrepreneurs can benefit way more from boosting thinking skills for their entrepreneurial journey. This include such as enhance their problem solving, decision making, creativity, adaptability, long-term planning analytical skills and communication. These core skills are essential for them to achieve success in running a business.
Since entrepreneurs often face high-stress situations, this makes it crucial for them to find effective ways to boost their thinking skills. If they are sitting way too long at the office, it will lead to increased risk of death from 20% to 30%. Therefore, being active is a way for them to not only will increase their lifespan, but also slowing cognitive decline, which can make them think more critically.
To achieve this, entrepreneurs could engage in:
Physical Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activities each week, like brisk walking or cycling. These exercises will improve brain health and also enhance mood and energy levels, which are vital for staying productive and focused in business.
Mental Exercises: Dedicate 15-30 minutes a day to solving brain games and puzzles, such as crosswords, Sudoku, or memory games. These activities challenge the brain, helping to sharpen thinking skills and improve memory, which can aid in better decision-making and problem-solving.
Mindfulness: Spend 10-20 minutes daily practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall mental clarity, allowing entrepreneurs to approach challenges with a clearer mind.
Should the activities be done on the same time and day?
The study’s findings show that whether exercises and cognitive activities are done together or on separate days, both methods can be effective. For example, engaging in activities like taking a brisk walk followed by a memory game on the same day can benefit both the body and mind. The same activities can also be done in separate days and it can still have the same benefits. These combined interventions has been shown by the study that it had a more consistent and positive impact on executive function.
Conclusions
With millions of people at risk of developing dementia, it’s important for entrepreneurs to take care of their brain health. The recent study shows that combining physical exercise with mental activities can really help improve thinking skills. By staying active and challenging their minds, entrepreneurs can boost their memory, planning, and overall brain function.
