Keeping our brains happy and functioning well should be one of our biggest concerns in life.  We know it is important, but a lot of the time we don’t know what that entails or where to start.  In many cases we think we are too busy to do anything to aid our brain health and function.  Here are a few things that can be worked into just about any life style.

Food For Thought (Literally)

According to many doctors and scientists, switching up your diet can help improve and preserve brain function and memory.  Here is a list of brain-healthy foods from medicalnewstoday.com:

1. Foods rich in Omega 3.  These include oily fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines; soybeans; nuts; flaxseed and other seeds.
2. Foods rich in antioxidants such as dark chocolate and berries.
3. Healthy fats like avocados.
4. Coffee.
5. Whole grains.
6. Eggs.
7. Broccoli and other leafy greens.

Get Some Rest

If you are not getting enough sleep at night, and even if you are, some studies show that taking a 30 to 90 minute nap in the day can be beneficial for the brain.

Also, try disconnecting from electronics (including your phone and the tv) for about 30 minutes before bedtime.  Try reading a book, doing a crossword puzzle, or meditating instead.

Exercise 

Get in some good exercise everyday.  This doesn’t have to be cardio at the gym, though cardio is highly recommended.  You could take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park a little farther from your destination. Do some stretches at your desk

Take Some Me Time

Take some time away from stress. It is unhealthy for a person to live a life full of stress with no breaks and no relaxation.  You don’t have to spend hundreds on relaxation either.

Go get a massage.

Get your nails done.

Visit someone you enjoy spending time with.

Go on a walk.

Go sit by a stream, lake, ocean, etc.

Go on staycation or vacation.

Just do something fun, something that you enjoy, you deserve it and it is important for your health.

Sources: 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324044

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/can-a-nap-boost-brain-health#:~:text=While%20a%2030%2D%20to%2090,of%20the%20American%20Geriatrics%20Society.