Your brain is the command center of your body. It controls many bodily functions, including cognitive areas like remembering, planning, organizing and decision-making.

As we age, changes occur in our body, including our brain. These changes can affect your mental function—you may be slower to think of words or struggle to recall names. Just as you might exercise to build strength and improve physical health, the same concept applies to your brain!

“Neuroplasticity” refers to your brain’s ability to change and adapt based on life experiences. This means you can retrain or rewire your brain to learn new skills and boost memory to improve your brain health. While older adults may prioritize brain health, people of all ages can benefit from a few easy brain exercises as part of their daily routine.

Try these brain-boosting activities for your next workout of the day (WOD):

• Have fun with puzzles. Try a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle or a new crossword puzzle.
• Play a game of cards. (Euchre, anyone?)
• Use your non-dominant hand for tasks. If you’re right-handed, try brushing your teeth using your left hand.
• Take a new route to work.
• Play video games. Try these computer-based interactive brain games.
• Take a walk through a new neighborhood.

Ready to level-up your brain workout?

• Take a dance class. Try a salsa or hip-hop class. Apex Actuary Roger Greenawalt would recommend ballroom dancing!
• Learn to play a musical instrument. Is there an instrument you’ve always wanted to learn to play?
• Learn a new language. There are many cognitive benefits to being bilingual! Try Babbel or Duolingo.
• Whip up a new recipe to make for dinner.

Researchers have found that healthy lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, not smoking, not drinking heavily, following a Mediterranean-style diet and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, can have significant benefits. People who engaged in two to three of these activities had a 37% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and those who engaged in four or five of these activities had a 60% lower risk.

The next time you feel unmotivated to exercise or you’re scared to try something new, remember that it’s good for your brain health!