{"id":831445,"date":"2026-07-28T13:33:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T13:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/831445\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T13:33:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T13:33:10","slug":"neurologist-shares-the-5-everyday-habits-people-with-healthy-brains-have-in-common","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/831445\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurologist shares the 5 everyday habits people with healthy brains have in common"},"content":{"rendered":"

While we can\u2019t totally put a stop to age-related decline, there\u2019s a lot we can do to help slow cognitive decline as we age \u2013 a message neurologist and headache specialist Dr Mina, known as @migraineswithmina<\/a> online, is keen to highlight. <\/p>\n

In fact, a recent landmark study published in Scientific Reports found that cognitive performance can improved well into old age<\/a> (we\u2019re talking into your 80s).<\/p>\n

And some of the things we can do to help prevent cognitive decline might be simpler than you think. As Dr Mina recently shared on Instagram, these are five of the habits she typically sees adopted by those with healthy brain ageing.<\/p>\n

5 habits for healthier brain ageing1. Continuous learning<\/p>\n

The first thing that sticks out about people with healthy brain ageing, Dr Mina writes<\/a>, is that \u2018they don\u2019t stop being beginners\u2019. <\/p>\n

\u2018Whether it\u2019s pickleball, piano, gardening, or a new language \u2013 they keep learning things they\u2019re bad at,’ she explains.<\/p>\n

Indeed, one study<\/a> published in the Journal of Gerontology found that adults aged 58-86 who spent three months learning several new skills \u2013 including Spanish, drawing and photography \u2013 improved their memory and executive function (your brain\u2019s ability to process information).<\/p>\n

2. Using both hands<\/p>\n

\u2018They intentionally challenge themselves by using their non-dominant hand for simple daily tasks to build new neural connections,\u2019 notes Dr Mina of another common habit she sees linked to healthy brain ageing. <\/p>\n

Interestingly, in one study<\/a> where researchers got right-handed participants to complete six weeks of left-handed chopstick training, their left-hand performance improved to a level similar to that of their dominant right hand. And further research has shown this happens due to strengthened connections in the brain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Regular time outdoors <\/p>\n

\u2018They spend time outside almost every day,\u2019 adds Dr Mina. \u2018Regular exposure to daylight and nature supports sleep, mood, and overall brain health.\u2019 <\/p>\n

Indeed, one review<\/a> \u2018found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function\u2019, while another<\/a> concluded that as little as 10 minutes spent in nature can tangibly improve mental health and wellbeing. <\/p>\n

When, according to Loughborough University<\/a>, the average UK person spends just 7% of their time \u2013 or 86 minutes \u2013 outdoors during the work week, this is an important one to note. Try getting outside during your lunch break and opt for outdoor activities during your free time where possible (although always remember that SPF!).<\/p>\n

4. Oral health <\/p>\n

\u2018They take their oral health seriously. Gum disease has been linked to inflammation<\/a> and cognitive decline, so they don\u2019t skip dental care,\u2019 notes Dr Mina of a perhaps less expected habit associated with healthier brain ageing. <\/p>\n

\"healthyzoranm\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Gum disease has been linked to cognitive decline, flags Dr Mina<\/p>\n

5. Moving little and often<\/p>\n

And last but not least, \u2018they naturally move all day\u2019, notes Dr Mina. \u2018Not just one workout \u2013 they walk, take the stairs, garden, cook, and avoid sitting for hours at a time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Indeed, one study<\/a> found that a 6-week exercise snacking programme helped participants process information more quickly without sacrificing accuracy, while another study<\/a> found doing just one minute of squatting exercises periodically during long periods of sitting may help preserve executive function. <\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women\u2019s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. \u00a0She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner\u2019s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. \u00a0A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She\u2019s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.<\/p>\n