3 effective science-backed ways to keep the brain healthy

Time of India

22-07-2025

Brain health is paramount, and experts suggest simple, cost-free methods to boost its function. A study in Brain Sciences highlights three key factors: physical exercise, social interaction, and cultivating strong interests. Movement combats brain aging, while relationships stimulate complex biological processes. Passion drives learning, impacting neural network development.
The brain is undoubtedly the most important organ in the human body. It's in charge of some of the vital functions in the body, and hence keeping it in top shape is important. But how do you boost your brain function? No, you don't really have to take endless supplements or expensive treatments.
The trick is simple and free of cost! Here are 3 effective ways to boost brain health, according to experts. Before we dive into the tips, let's take a look at the miraculous power of the brain.
Your brain is fabulous
Ever imagined how powerful your brain is? You are reading this article, and along with visualisation, your brain is breaking down this information and storing it. Lift your hands. Your brain just did it! How fabulous is it? There are around 100 billion nerve cells that work in coordination to keep you nimble and quick in your thinking.
However, just like your body requires rest and care, your brain, too, needs it, especially when you grow older.
The decline in brain function can appear like wanting to write things down to remember, or missing your appointments, or even finding it challenging to follow a conversation without straining. But the good news is you can improve your brain health.
How to improve brain health
Yoga also helps in brain development of kids
To keep our bodies healthy, we exercise. Similarly, exercise can improve your brain health.
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But how exactly do we do it. 'The keys to our nervous system are the grey and white matter,' Hermundur Sigmundsson, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Department of Psychology, said in a statement. He adds, ' Roughly speaking, the grey matter consists of the nerve cells or neurons and dendrites, while the white matter provides the contacts between the cells (myelinated axons) and contributes to the transmission speed and distribution of the signals.
'
An article published in the journal
Brain Sciences
explains the 3 factors that influence brain health. It is more about keeping the grey and white matter in shape. 'Three factors stand out if you want to keep your brain at its best. These factors are: Physical exercise, being social, and having strong interests,' Sigmundsson adds.
Motion
Movement is important for overall health, especially the brain. Despite its significance, it is probably the biggest challenge for many of us.
'An active lifestyle helps to develop the central nervous system and to counteract the ageing of the brain,' Sigmundsson says. The researchers emphasize that it is crucial not to get stuck in your chair. And it definitely requires effort, that's the only way forward. If you have a sedentary job, invest some time after it to move physically.
Relationships
'Relationships with other people, and interacting with them, contribute to a number of complex biological factors that can prevent the brain from slowing down,' Sigmundsson says.
Surrounding yourselves with people and having conversations or physical contact supports good brain function.
Passion
Yes, you read it right. Passion helps your
brain
stay healthy. This has a lot to do with your personality. If you have read this far, chances are that you already have the necessary foundation and are probably willing to learn.
'Passion, or having a strong interest in something, can be the decisive, driving factor that leads us to learn new things.
Over time, this impacts the development and maintenance of our neural networks,' Sigmundsson says.
Image Credit: Canva
The key is to stay curious. You don't have to let everything run its course the same way all the time. Don't give up, understand that you are never too old to do something new. Simple things like learning to play a new musical instrument could help.
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According to this study, you have to exercise your brain to prevent decay - 'Use it or lose it'. 'Brain development is closely linked to lifestyle. Physical exercise, relationships and passion help to develop and maintain the basic structures of our brain as we get older,' Sigmundsson adds.