Brain training may not be so useful if it has become a routine. It is important not only to maintain existing skills, but also to force the brain to leave its comfort zone. Giving up learning in favor of the usual can undermine the health of your brain and lead to its premature aging. Learning something new, on the contrary, forms connections between brain cells and helps to keep it young. If you have never played a musical instrument or learned a foreign language, it is worth trying.

Stress is an almost integral part of everyday life, and the body usually recovers quickly from stressful situations. The problem is that stress can become chronic and unconscious. It is important to monitor your condition during the day: pay attention to your own anxious thoughts and rapid breathing. To get rid of background stress, you can… stress. Such as a cold shower, a visit to the sauna or high-intensity training. A state of rest, both during the day and during sleep, allows neurons to recover, thereby slowing down the aging of the brain.

From working remotely to having a baby or retiring, life situations often create unwanted social isolation, minimizing opportunities for social interaction. Most people also gradually lose their social circle as they get older. Meeting new people is especially beneficial for the brain, and strong social connections have been shown to improve mood (depression is a risk factor for dementia). Even online communities can be a lifesaver and bring real benefits when there is no alternative.

The hectic pace of modern life means you occasionally reach for fast food to satisfy your hunger on the go, or buy convenience foods when you don’t have time to cook a full meal. A one-time microwave dinner won’t cause any consequences, but in the long run, eating on the go isn’t the best option for your brain. Such meals are often highly processed and contain a lot of saturated fat and sugar. Studies have shown that eating them regularly can lead to premature aging of the brain and the development of diseases that affect the organ.

When physical activity becomes a daily habit, you reap a host of benefits, from reducing stress to increasing blood flow to your brain. So whether it’s gardening or going for a walk, regular activity can be more beneficial than a full-on workout once a week. Cardiovascular and muscle-building exercise is important for keeping your brain young. It can also boost levels of growth hormones, which promote brain health and well-being.

Even after the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you may wake up feeling groggy due to poor sleep quality, which directly affects your brain health. During sleep, memories from the day are processed so that we can access them in the future. The brain also clears itself of beta-amyloid, which destroys the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. When sleep is too short or poor quality, these important processes are interrupted. After one sleepless night, you will have trouble concentrating, but years of sleep deprivation will increase your risk of premature aging of your brain and the development of dementia.