Five easy ways to keep your brain healthier

Your brain is the most important organ in your body. After all, it houses your memory, coordination, bodily function and emotions. So, of course, we all know our brains are important. However, often we overlook healthy habits that can protect our brain in the short and long term. Instead, we sometimes think our brains differently from other wellness tactics. We know we should eat healthy to fuel our bodies and muscles, for example, but we don’t always think about eating well for our minds. Instead, we can think that our brains are independent of other health aspects.

However, our brain health is just as important as our well-being. Research shows that anyone can take many simple steps to preserve and protect brain function over time. Thankfully, many of these habits are great for full-body health and wellness.

So, whether you’re trying to keep your brain healthy as you grow older or you just want to keep your mind healthy now, here are five things to keep your brain in good health:

Pick up a new hobby: Is there something new you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s something complex like taking aerobatic yoga classes or perhaps it’s as simple as learning a new recipe. It can help stimulate your brain and challenge you mentally, whether the task is. Ideally, you should aim to do something new every day, but focusing on new skills over a longer period has tons of benefits. If you need more suggestions, try learning how to paint, take up sewing, play a new instrument or try your hand at fabulous photos.

Learn a foreign language: Speaking of new hobbies, you might want to try your hand at a new language. Speaking a foreign language is one of the best ways to boost brain health. Compared with people who only speak one language, people who speak multiple languages are more likely to have better concentration, memory and overall brain function. Many apps help teach you languages, making learning even easier these days. Try practicing some new vocab 10 minutes a day. It’ll make a big difference.

Exercise: Exercise is just as important for your mind as it is for your body. Breaking a sweat improves blood flow to your brain. This then helps to build new brain cells and repair and protect existing ones. Exercise can also keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels normal, vital for long-term brain health. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (walking, jogging, biking or swimming) each week, but know that any amount of physical activity can benefit you.

Eat healthily: Like exercise, you probably know a balanced diet is good for you, but this is sometimes overlooked when talking about brain health. Good nutrition, overall, helps fuel your body and mind and specific vitamins and minerals are especially good for brain health. Foods like salmon, spinach, eggs and walnuts contain healthy omega 3 fatty acids that promote brain health. Studies show that blueberries, broccoli, avocado and sweet potatoes are also great foods for not only your overall health but your brain health. Stock up your fridge with healthy foods to snack on to keep you from choosing junk foods. Some doctors recommend eating fish several times a week and dark, leafy vegetables at each meal, too.

Get enough sleep: Over time, not getting enough sleep can damage your brain. Your brain needs to recharge each night after a long day or work and activities. Not getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night affects your ability to stay focused, remember important details, and deal with stress. You’re also more likely to rely on sugary snacks instead of healthy foods to give you the energy you need to get through the day. Getting enough sleep is vital to a healthy brain.