We all know we should try to eat better and exercise to maintain our body’s health, but did you know it’s important for your brain health, too? Most people don’t think enough about the status of their brain health, but it’s just as important, if not more so, as maintaining a healthy body. The best part is, there is plenty of overlap between maintaining your body’s health and your brain health.

Here are some of the best ways you can start to improve your brain health today.

You Are What You Eat

Eating better doesn’t just help you stay physically fit, it also helps maintain your brain health as well. A balanced diet with a focus on whole grains, green leafy vegetables, olives, nuts and fish helps to maintain brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Staying Active

Generally speaking, if it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your brain. Regular endurance and strength training can help build muscle and preserve existing brain cells. Additionally, flexibility and balance training such as yoga can go a long way in improving overall brain health as you age.

A Good Night’s Sleep

A quality night’s sleep of at least six hours is one of the simplest ways you can improve your brain health today. Everyone is different, but usually, six to eight hours of sleep every night is suggested in order to live a happier life with a healthier brain.

Puzzling Challenges

It’s always important to keep challenging the brain and learning as we get older. Simple tasks, such as puzzles that challenge the mind can be useful to stimulate cognitive functioning. Continual education like learning a new language can also help to maintain your overall brain health and mental fitness.