How to Keep Your Brain Strong (And Why It Matters!)

Your brain is your control center, your body’s CPU — it solves problems, remembers birthdays, dreams up new ideas, keeps your emotions steady and can even remind you where you left your keys (on a good day). To keep your brain functioning well, many think we need to do more crossword puzzles or brain games, which can certainly help. However, to keep your brain as sharp as possible and your emotions as steady as they can be to be ready for all that life can throw at you there’s more to it.

The formula isn’t a secret … What’s good for the body is also good for the brain! 

1. Eat Well Your brain loves good food. Think colorful fruits, leafy greens, crunchy nuts, and fish full of healthy fats. (Sorry, potato chips ... you’re not on the VIP list.) Foods like blueberries and walnuts are rocket fuel for your mind. 

2. Get Good Sleep Your brain needs downtime to clean up, recharge, and store all the cool things you learn during the day. Without enough sleep, it’s like trying to run a marathon wearing flip-flops — not pretty. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night! 

3. Move Your Body Exercise isn’t just for your muscles. When you run, dance, stretch, or even take a brisk walk, you’re sending happy signals to your brain. It gets more oxygen, it grows new connections, and you feel less stressed. 

4. Stay Curious Reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, and asking “why?” about everything can keep your brain flexible and strong. Try something new. Think of it as a workout for your thoughts. 

5. Keep your hearing and vision in working order. 

Use whatever help you may need, such as glasses or hearing aids, so you don’t miss any part of what is happening around you. A continuous flow of information to the brain will keep neuropathways strong. 

6. Be Social Talking, laughing, and spending time with others isn't just fun — it actually builds brainpower. Even a quick chat can boost your mood and creativity. 

Bottom line: Eat smart, sleep well, move often, stay curious, keep hearing and vision checked and laugh a lot. You will think more clearly and be more resilient and flexible when curveballs are thrown your way, your memory will be sharper, and you’ll be an even better version of yourself.