Keep your mind sharp

Just as exercise improves your physical health, brain workouts strengthen your mind. It is never too late to begin exercising your most important muscle. Read on for ways to stimulate your brain.

Laugh it off: Stress can make your brain release a hormone called cortisol, which makes it hard to think clearly. Over time, high levels of stress can cause trouble with your learning and memory. A fun way to protect your brain is to have a good laugh which can lower cortisol levels.

Get outside: Nature has a calming effect and can ease stress. When you spend time outdoors, you give your brain a rest from the constant flow of data and stimulus it gets throughout the day. This lets it reboot its ability to focus, so you may feel more creative and better able to solve problems.

Ditch your routine: It is good for your brain to try to mix things up. A change in routine boosts your brain's ability to learn new information and hold onto it. Try out a new recipe or explore a different part of your city.

Give it a rest: If you do not get enough sleep, even a simple task can take more mental effort than it would otherwise. You will also find it much harder to focus, and you may notice gaps in your short-term memory. To stay fresh, aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Feed your brain: Certain foods work hard to protect your brain. These include fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and 'good' fats like the one in olive oil. A daily cup of tea or coffee also can help your brain wake up. Watch the processed foods which can wreak havoc on your blood sugar.