Live Longer Habits

Six simple ways to stay sharp, feel good, and protect your brain as you age

Most of us don’t think much about how to keep our brains healthy — but we should. Good brain health helps us stay sharp, feel better, and can even lower the risk of memory problems like dementia.

The good news? There are simple things you can do every day to care for your brain. Even something enjoyable like spending time with friends or family can make a difference.

These six key habits The Brain Health Method:

1. Healthy Life

Live well, protect your brain

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay dementia. In fact, research shows that up to 40% of dementia cases may be linked to things we can change — like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, hearing loss, and even air pollution.

That means your daily habits really matter.

2. Nutrition

Eat your way to better brain health

What you eat affects how your brain works. A healthy diet helps your brain cells send messages and form new connections, which supports memory and learning.

Eating well can also reduce inflammation, which is linked to brain aging. Try to eat more leafy greens, colorful vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, and whole grains.

3. Sleep

Good sleep equals a healthier brain

Sleep helps your brain make new memories and clear out waste and toxins, including a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to help your brain stay in top shape.

4. Exercise

Move your body, boost your brain

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps grow new brain cells. It also improves mood and memory.

You don’t need to do intense workouts — even daily walks, gardening, or dancing can help. The key is to move more every day.

5. Gut Health

A healthy gut supports a healthy brain

Your gut is full of bacteria — some good, some bad. As we age, this balance can change and may affect brain health.

Eating fibre-rich foods, probiotics, and prebiotics can improve your gut health and may help with memory and learning too.

6. Active Mind

Use it or lose it

Keeping your mind active helps keep it strong. Try reading, puzzles, learning something new, playing music, or spending time with others.

There’s no one perfect brain activity — do what you enjoy, and do it often.

Final Thought

It’s never too early or too late to take care of your brain. Even small steps every day can add up to a big difference over time.

Start with one habit today and build from there. Your brain will thank you.

source: brain.health