Your brain controls almost every function in your body. In fact, it can hold the same amount of data as around 10,000 iPhones, and generate enough power to turn on a light bulb.
So it’s no wonder then that brain health is one of the biggest wellness trends for 2024. Here’s how to boost brain function to support memory, focus and more, for supercharged cognitive health…
1. Exercise your brain
There are plenty of ways to give your brain a workout, all from the comfort of your sofa.
Brain exercises are a great way to improve long-term cognitive health. Training the brain with different daily tasks can help improve brain health and mental wellbeing in just a few minutes a day.
Think waking up the brain with a game of Wordle, or winding down with a jigsaw puzzle after work. Try your hand at a new skill in your spare time, like knitting, or start learning a new language on DuoLingo. These small daily tasks help to stimulate ‘neurogenesis’ - the process of new neurons forming in the brain. Continuing to practise these skills reinforces new connections in the brain. The result? Improved clarity, focus and memory.
2. Move your body
Who knew barre was good for your brain? Aside from remembering to count all those reps (and while holding a demi pointe), moving your body has been proven to support brain health and mental wellbeing.
Regular exercise helps increase the amount of a neuron-protecting molecule in the brain, known to support learning and memory. All types of physical activity also increase blood flow to the brain, delivering more nutrients and oxygen for healthy cognitive function.
According to The World Health Organisation, just two hours of moderate exercise a week can improve focus and memory, while another study shows that cognitive decline is nearly twice as common in inactive adults compared to those who are active. So, whether you’re heading off on a park run or prefer pilates, schedule your go-to workout for body and mind.
3. Take time to rest
Your brain never really switches off. While you sleep, it works the night shift to ensure all essential bodily functions run smoothly: from producing the right amount of melatonin (the sleep hormone), to flushing out toxins in the brain and regulating the body’s metabolism. It all happens while you sleep, making this nightly ritual one of the most important things you can do for the brain.
If you struggle to wind down before bed, add Sleep Wellness Gummies to your night-time routine. Take two gummies around one hour before bed to let sleep-supporting – ingredients like Vitamin B6 and Zinc – work their magic.
For the ultimate dream night’s sleep, create a calming environment to prepare the brain for rest. Dim the lights, put your phone away (to avoid blue light exposure from your screen affecting melatonin production) and cuddle up with a book until you start to feel sleepy. Try our natural sleep remedies for more tips to drift off with ease.
4. Meditate
If you’ve ever felt like your mind won’t stop wandering, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Apparently, as much as 46% of our daily thoughts are distracted ones - and meditation could be the answer to more clarity.
How to boost brain function, fast? Taking a short break to quieten the mind can increase productivity in the long run. In an article by Headspace, recent studies suggest four weeks of regular meditation can boost focus by 14%, and just one single session can reduce mind-wandering by 22%. So, if you’ve been ommming and ahhhing about meditation, this is your sign to try it.
Easy meditation step-by-step
Not sure where to start? Try this simple grounding meditation technique to bring a sense of calm while reconnecting body and mind. It’s easier than you think.-
Light the Power Down Calming CBD Scented Candle, featuring a soothing scent blend of Santal, Amber and Musk that’s scientifically-formulated to make you feel more relaxed.
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Find somewhere comfortable to sit, like your sofa, with your feet on the floor and arms relaxed by your side. Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths to settle.
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Start by noticing something you can hear. Focus on any noises nearby. Maybe the faint whirring of the washing machine in the background, or birds chirping outside your window.
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Now notice what you can smell. If you’ve lit a candle, let the soothing scent bring a sense of calm. Maybe it’s fresh air through an open window, or lunch cooking in the kitchen.
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Next, is there anything you can taste? Maybe you’ve just had a cup of spicy ginger tea, or can taste the tingling freshness of toothpaste after brushing your teeth.
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Moving onto the sense of touch: what can you feel right now? The softness of your clothes touching your skin, a fluffy cushion behind your back, or your body sinking into the sofa.
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Finally, gently blink open your eyes and look around at what you can see. Notice the colours, textures and details of what’s in your eyeline.
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Take a couple more deep breaths before slowly getting up. By taking a mindful moment to notice all five senses, you should start to feel more grounded and focused.
5. Prioritise self-care
Brain care is self-care, and managing stress goes a long way to improve mental wellbeing. Here’s how to boost brain function in the most calming way possible.
While self-care means something a little different to everyone, most of us can probably appreciate the relaxing feeling of sinking into a hot bath after a long day. Melt away all traces of tension with Bath Melt CBD Bath Bomb; a blend of muscle-soothing Epsom Salts, skin-softening Coconut Milk and calming Chamomile. Featuring the same relaxing scent as our Power Down Calming CBD Scented Candle, these two are the perfect pair for an evening of self-care.
To make this bathing ritual even more chill, finish with a massage to drain away remaining tension. Follow our easy self-massage guide to tackle achy muscles, featuring CBD Muscle Balm with soothing Aloe Vera and Arnica. For on-the-go stress relief, we keep this balm in our gym bag as a post-yoga treat.
6. Support with supplements
Research suggests the brain needs up to 45 different nutrients (and around 300 calories a day) - so it’s important to keep this vital organ well-fed. Supplements can help fill the gaps in nutrition to support cognitive health and function, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right ones.
So, what should you be looking for? First up, there’s Zinc, which is key to normal brain function and cell regeneration, found in Bright Days CBD Capsules. Meanwhile, Iodine also supports normal cognitive function, and you’ll find it in the Sea Moss Gummies, along with an energising burst of Vitamin C.
Up next: Discover 6 Small Healthy Living Changes to Start Now.
