As concerns about age-related cognitive decline grow, wellness expert Ankita Kaul has shared five powerful daily habits that can help keep the brain sharp and resilient. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Kaul emphasized that cognitive slowdown isn’t inevitable—it’s a signal to become more intentional about brain health.
1. Practice Mindfulness and Reading
Daily mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, and reading can significantly reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. These activities calm the nervous system and enhance mental clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
2. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is the brain’s natural repair mechanism. It consolidates memories, flushes out toxins, and restores cognitive function. Kaul recommends making sleep a non-negotiable priority to support decision-making and memory retention.
3. Move Your Body
Regular physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain and increases levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein that supports learning, memory, and brain plasticity. Even a brisk daily walk can make a difference.
4. Eat Brain-Boosting Foods
Nutrition plays a critical role in cognitive health. Kaul suggests incorporating foods like walnuts, berries, dark chocolate, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich seeds into your diet to fuel brain performance and emotional well-being.
5. Embrace Acceptance
Mental stress from unmet expectations can harm emotional health. Practicing acceptance and focusing on what can be controlled helps reduce anxiety and supports a healthier mindset.
Kaul concludes, “The smartest thing you can do for your brain is to start giving it what it really needs daily. Take control of your mind—don’t let it control you”.
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