Find your flow

Taming the brain’s “default mode network” or daydreaming mode can reward you with calmness of mind and enhanced cognitive function. This is what meditation does: reduce mind wandering and increase thought control. It’s been shown to slow or reverse cognitive decline in those with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s. “Even brief meditation reduces fatigue and anxiety and increases visuospatial processing, working memory, and executive functioning,” says Dr Levitin. Benefits show in four weeks or 30 hours of mindfulness practice. If meditation doesn’t work for you, look for any other enjoyable activity in which you feel fully immersed. Crafting, playing music, tai chi, colouring ...