Signs You Need To Care For Your Brain (And Ways To Do It)

Navigating the realm of brain health can feel like decoding a cryptic message—how do you know when your brain needs a little extra TLC?

While it's easy to spot when your stomach grumbles or your skin cries out for attention, deciphering the signs of a brain in need isn't always as straightforward.

From fluctuations in mood to foggy thinking and restless nights, the clues can manifest throughout your entire being.

Regardless of what stage of life you're in, it's essential to nurture your brain. Brain health involves cognitive function, mental resilience, emotional regulation, and myriad other facets of mental well-being. 

Whether it's a weekly crossword, a daily Wordle, or a brain-boosting nootropic supplement, there are many ways to give your brain extra love.* And when your brain is happy, you'll be happy. 

Of course you'll want to tap into the fullness of attention, memory performance, and executive functions at all ages, but special brain focus areas by decade might be a useful strategy for some.

Brain health doesn't have to be complicated. For people of all ages, eating well, sleeping well, and continuing to learn—whether in a classroom or elsewhere—can contribute to a happy and healthy mind. 

Just ask Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, founders of MOSH—a nutrition company that sells adaptogenic protein bars, advocates for women's brain health (a drastically under-researched area of health science), and spreads awareness about brain longevity. The mother-son duo recently came on the mindbodygreen podcast to share how they prioritize their brain health. (Hint: Intermittent fasting, meditation, and a beginner's mindset all come into play.) 

But how can you tell if your brain is healthy? Your body could be telling you your brain needs a little extra love, and you might not even know it. 

"Your brain function is a marker of health, so when your brain isn't working right, the first thing to do is go back to the foundations: what you're eating, how you're exercising, and how well you're connecting with others and fulfilling a purpose in life," shares functional medicine practitioner Stacie Stephenson, D.C., CNS.

Take a brain performance supplement like mbg's brain guard+. With premium, clinically researched brain health neuronutrients citicoline, kanna, and resveratrol, this advanced nootropic formula proactively supports neurotransmitter production and blood flow to the brain, enhances processing speed and memory, and promotes mental clarity and brain longevity (i.e., your brain span).* 

Try adding more brain-supporting nutrients—like omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), B vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin C—to your diet to optimize your cognitive function and promote mental well-being. Foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, dark chocolate, and even rosemary can provide micronutrients and phytonutrients you need to foster a healthy brain. 

To add some flavor to your brain foods, check out nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, M.D.'s favorite brain-supporting sauces (which include curry leaf and carrot yogurt sauce, a miso sauce, and kale and walnut pesto). 

Your movement doesn't have to be major! A simple five-minute break of stretching, jumping jacks, or walking a lap around your house improves brain health3, a 2020 study of university students found. 

In fact, five minutes is more than you need! Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D., neuroscientist and author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind, says two minutes of movement after 30 minutes of sitting is all it takes to re-oxygenate the brain and get those vital nutrients flowing back into it. 

Sergey Young, longevity expert, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund, and author of The Science and Technology of Growing Young, believes that thinking you're younger helps your body work better. And, he's right. 

Supporting your brain health through all the stages of your life is important. But proactively caring for your brain doesn't have to be complicated.