![Clever tricks to get your brain SHARP](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5908/465452/5ee1d9c62b1cd/Clever-tricks-to-get-your-brainSHARP.jpeg)
Lockdowns and social distancing have changed all our lives, but health experts are concerned about the impact it’s had on our mental wellbeing.
Staying socially engaged is believed to help support brain health, with loneliness increasing our risk of suffering from dementia by as much as 40%, according to a large study last year.
‘Loneliness affects physical and mental health, causing vulnerability, illness and even death,’ warns Dame Esther Rantzen, who set up The Silver Line charity, which aims to help tackle the problem.
During restrictions on get-togethers, it’s crucial to keep in touch with family and friends, whether through FaceTime, text or phone. Or contact The Silver Line (0800 470 8090, thesilverline.org. uk) or Age UK (0800 6781602, ageuk.org.uk) for support.
Avoid harmful coping strategies, such as alcohol and cigarettes, as both do considerable harm to your brain.
Doing puzzles or reading can help, but experts agree that novelty is crucial. It seems it’s the challenge of doing something new that triggers your brain to release noradrenaline to help brain plasticity and form new brain connections. So try cooking a new recipe or learning a musical instrument or language online.
Are you getting enough?
This story is from the June 16, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 16, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![September SPECTACLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/sb6ap5zyC1725448608550/SEPTEMBER-SPECTACLE.jpg)
September SPECTACLE
Vibrant blooms for end-of-season splendour
![Lovable LIVERPOOL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/BVaU32mHr1725448304754/LOVABLE-LIVERPOOL.jpg)
Lovable LIVERPOOL
Step out on city-based walks that mix scenic views with culture and comfort
![Light & lovely PUDDINGS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/bigGWsPEw1725447874369/LIGHT-LOVELY-PUDDINGS.jpg)
Light & lovely PUDDINGS
Treats to enjoy without feeling any guilt
![Crafty CORNERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/wxWVku_jw1725447434445/CRAFTY-CORNERS.jpg)
Crafty CORNERS
Follow our top tips for a creative hub that has never looked more inviting
![Money-saving MARVELS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/z08eTrUCb1725447038650/MONEYSAVING-MARVELS.jpg)
Money-saving MARVELS
Rustle up these budget-savvy dishes for dinner
![Living together APART](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/GJNBYBCzO1725446615131/LIVING-TOGETHER-APART.jpg)
Living together APART
For some couples, the relationship works better without sharing the same roof
![Lower your BLOOD PRESSURE in just 4 weeks](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/sJOrgiGyI1725446176358/LOWER-YOUR-BLOOD-PRESSURE-IN-JUST-4-WEEKS.jpg)
Lower your BLOOD PRESSURE in just 4 weeks
It's a silent killer, but there are ways to get your readings under control relatively quickly
![From the mighty ocean deep](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/Y4tkIRV5f1725445898409/FROM-THE-MIGHTY-OCEAN-DEEP.jpg)
From the mighty ocean deep
Take a trip back to a different age and explore the story of Britain's extraordinary seafaring history
!['I'm now comfortable in my own skin'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/8G-ODJwJX1725445625351/IM-NOW-COMFORTABLE-IN-MY-OWN-SKIN.jpg)
'I'm now comfortable in my own skin'
Singer Lulu on her glittering career, ageing - and why she isn't ready to retire any time soon
!['With age comes freedom'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1821330/c5aojxeFx1725445317557/WITH-AGE-COMES-FREEDOM.jpg)
'With age comes freedom'
Before I started in The Wives, in February, I hadn't had any alcohol since Christmas. I was trying to be really healthy! I co-star with Jo Joyner, who I know well, and my close friend Angela Griffin. We're playing women who have all married brothers from the same family.