Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact on our brain health. Prioritizing good sleep is a great way to help take care of our mental and cognitive health. Physical activity helps activate a number of pathways associated with improved brain health. There's simply no way around it: our brain health - this is the most valuable thing we have. When our brain is unhealthy, we cannot think clearly. Our mental health is poor. We just don't know how to enjoy life. With this in mind, it's vital to find ways to prioritize brain health every day. So what are the most scientifically proven and simple ways to make sure you're helping to take care of your brain? Here are three of the best: 1. Prioritize good sleep Why it's important: You've probably heard people downplaying the importance of sleep, saying things like, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." But if you don't prioritize sleep, you're doing your body and especially your brain a huge disservice. Pick any disease and you'll find that it's more common or more severe in people who don't get enough sleep. For example, we now know that people with Alzheimer's disease tend to have trouble sleeping. Poor sleep can also increase your risk of developing dementia. When it comes to mental health, the same trends continue. Sleep problems are very common in people with mental health problems and are also thought to increase the risk of developing these conditions. Tips for Better Sleep: Many people are looking for quick solutions to sleep problems, especially insomnia. But while some people may benefit from short-term medication, there is growing concern about the side effects and effectiveness of prescription sleep aids. To that end, finding non-drug methods for promoting healthy sleep is likely the best long-term solution for most people. Simple strategies to promote better sleep include a regular daily routine that minimizes blue light/screen exposure in the hours before bed. Also, consider keeping your room a little cooler, as this may promote better sleep. Try cutting out caffeine after 2:00 pm (or earlier) and consider cutting out alcohol before bed, as it can impair sleep quality. Finally, consider talking to your doctor about evaluating sleep apnea, especially if you are a man, overweight, or someone who snores. Sleep apnea is a very common condition that seriously impairs sleep quality and is often overlooked. 2. Move Your Body Why It's Important: Study after study shows that regular exercise is associated with improved brain health. People who move more tend to think better and have better mental health. In fact, a recent review in JAMA found that exercise may act as an antidepressant. So why is exercise such a brain stimulant? It can reduce inflammation (which damages brain function), increase molecules like BDNF (which promotes healthier brain function and the growth of new brain cells), and has a beneficial effect on blood sugar (higher blood sugar can damage brain health). Physical Activity Tips: You don't have to train for a marathon or become a professional athlete to reap the benefits of brain exercise. It's all about resilience, and if you hate or get injured while training, you're unlikely to stick with it. Instead, look for ways to make physical activity enjoyable. Walking with a friend, doing yoga, lifting weights, or swimming are all great. The best exercise is the one you enjoy because it's what you're most likely to do. So find what you want