10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Every brain changes with age, and cognitive function changes along with it. Here are 10 ways to maintain your brain health:

1. Care for Your Mental Health: Take time each day to practice self-care.
2. Practice Breath Work: Different breathing patterns activate our brain networks related to mood, attention, and body awareness.
3. Establish Healthy Habits: Once a good habit is established, you no longer need to rely on motivation.
4. Stay Mentally Active: Your brain can get a workout through reading or challenging yourself with puzzles.
5. Supercharge Your Diet: Omega fatty acids are vital for your cells to function correctly, increasing focus and slowing cognitive decline in older adults.
6. Form Connections: Social interaction helps combat depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss.
7. Keep Learning: Practicing a new and challenging activity helps to build and maintain cognitive skills.
8. Let Yourself Rest: Uninterrupted sleep gives your brain the time to consolidate and improve your memories effectively.
9. Stay Hydrated: Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1–3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.
10. Exercise Regularly: Multiple research studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function.