Four Science-Backed Ways To Keep Your Brain Sharp

Your brain is essentially the control center for everything you experience and do. It keeps your lungs breathing, helps you hold a conversation, coordinates movement…the list goes on and on. And just like the rest of your body, it needs regular upkeep to stay in peak condition. So we teamed up with CocoaVia to break down simple, science-backed habits that support long-term brain health. 

1. Challenge your mind 

If you've been meaning to take up a new hobby, your brain wants you to know there’s no time like the present. Learning new skills, reading, and playing certain logic games (yes, your daily Wordle counts) can help strengthen cognitive function and improve brain plasticity. 

How to exercise your brain:

• Learn a language. Studying a new language builds neural connections that help protect against age-related cognitive decline. 

• Try games that build “cognitive reserve,” like crossword puzzles or Sudoku.

• Pick up an instrument. Practicing music can help improve memory, language processing, and learning ability.

2. Fuel your brain 

What you eat plays a major role in your cognitive function and memory retention. The right nutrients don’t just keep your body healthy — they keep your brain sharp for the long term.

How to nourish your mind:

• Antioxidants, especially those with polyphenol (found in berries, dark leafy greens, and nuts), can help improve cognition.

• Lean proteins, particularly plant-based ones like beans and lentils, lower your risk for cognitive decline.

• Cocoa flavanols, which are exclusively found in cocoa beans, are clinically proven to boost memory, improve blood flow to the brain, and support long-term cognitive health. An easy way to add some to your diet? CocoaVia’s high-quality, flavanol-rich supplements. Their Memory+ capsule contains 750mg of cocoa flavanols per serving, a level clinically proven to improve word recall and spatial and long-term memory in as little as 8-12 weeks.

3. Maintain social connections 

Every conversation you have engages multiple parts of your brain. Research shows that regular, meaningful interactions with loved ones are one of the best ways to help lower the risk of cognitive decline.

How to socialize smarter: 

• Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and family. Even a quick coffee or 30-minute phone call will do the trick. 

• Join a club, class, or group activity. Bonus points if it involves something new that also engages your brain. Jane Fonda’s recommendation? Art. 

• Make small talk with strangers like your barista, neighbor, or that other person who can’t figure out the self-checkout either.

4. Prioritize quality sleep 

Your brain does some of its best work while you sleep. While you’re in dreamland, your brain consolidates memories and removes cerebral waste, clearing out “cobwebs” to prepare for the next day. So it’s no surprise that getting too little or poor quality sleep could set you up for short-term issues like brain fog, forgetfulness, and impaired judgement as well as long-term issues like cognitive decline.

How to get better sleep: 

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends. 

• Avoid screens before bed. The blue light they emit can interfere with melatonin production and trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. 

• If you struggle to fall asleep, try a nightly wind-down routine. Try reading, meditating, or drinking a sleepy girl mocktail before bed to signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

theSkimm 

There's no shortcut to better brain health — but daily routines like staying socially engaged and getting the right nutrients can make a major impact. CocoaVia’s flavanol-rich supplements are an easy, science-backed way to support both brain and heart health as you age, so you can live longer and better. Sounds like a no-brainer. 

^{*Discount does not extend to Cardio Health Cocoa Powder Stick Packs.}