Tips on staying sharp

As the end of the year quickly approaches us, many of us will be resolving to work on our bodies in 2008. But working our mind is just as important--after all, can you imagine what life would be like if you lost it? The key to aging well not only lies in your physical state--it lies in your mental capacity too. So make sure you work your mind too.

Here are some suggestions:

• Use it or you'll lose it. Work on your mental strength by taking on new tasks. Take up a new hobby, sign up for a class or commit to doing a crossword or sudoku puzzle each night. Watching a new TV show or movie doesn't count.
  
• Rest. You need your rest -- make sure you're getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and when you feel tired, take some downtime.
  
• Find a way to limit stress. Research shows that stress hormones hinder the function or parts of the brain associated with learning and memory. But this isn't a permanent state -- drop your stress levels and you brain will return to normal.