Our brain really is amazing. It’s the “control center” of our body—managing thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every other process that keeps us alive and functioning. With all it does for us, our brain definitely deserves some love and care.
Sometimes, though, we get so busy with life that we forget to take intentional steps to support it. Here are seven simple ways you can nurture your brain, both physically and emotionally—along with a few of the practices I’ve personally found helpful.
1. Eat Brain Food
Just like the rest of our body, the brain needs fuel to function at its best—but not just any fuel. Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals provide energy, protection, and support for a healthy gut (which plays a surprisingly big role in brain health).
Here are some of my favorites:
- Avocados – I keep them as a staple. They go on toast, salads, and are the perfect topping for any Tex-Mex dish.
- Blueberries & almonds – always sprinkled on top of my chia pudding. It’s become a favorite swap for less-healthy desserts.
- Salmon – my goal is to enjoy it at least three times a week.
- Dark leafy greens, nuts, and cruciferous veggies – always finding their way into meals.
Eating for brain health doesn’t feel like a chore when the food tastes this good!
2. Break a Sweat
Exercise isn’t just good for your heart—it’s also powerful for your brain. Studies show that regular cardiovascular activity improves blood flow to the brain and lowers the risk of cognitive decline.
For me, I’ve been enjoying workouts with Yes2Next on YouTube. It keeps me moving in a way that feels doable and fun.
The best exercise is the one you enjoy—because that’s the one you’ll keep doing.
3. Challenge Your Mind
Just like your body, your brain needs exercise too. Challenging it regularly helps boost memory, concentration, and focus.
I’ve made Sudoku a daily habit, and I find it’s a great way to keep my mind sharp. And when the kids were still at home, jigsaw puzzles were a Christmas tradition—hours spent laughing, puzzling, and connecting over the pieces. Those moments kept our brains busy and our hearts full.
Even something small—like a crossword or card game—can give your brain a workout.
4. Support Your Brain with Essential Oils
Here’s a fascinating fact: our sense of smell is the only sense that connects directly to the limbic system—the emotional control center of the brain. This is why essential oils can be so powerful for supporting clarity, focus, and balance.
At work, I often diffuse Peppermint for a refreshing boost, and I love wearing Brain Power as a perfume. It feels good knowing these little daily habits are supporting both mood and focus.
You can also add other oils to your brain health arsenal, depending on what you need in the moment:
- Peppermint – purifying & stimulating to the conscious mind
- Rosemary – creates an environment conducive to work or study
- Brain Power - creates clarity & stability for an environment conducive to work or study
- Clarity – promotes feelings of stability, focus, and productivity
- M-Grain – creates an atmosphere conducive to releasing tension and daily stressors
- Geneyus – promotes an atmosphere for inspiration, productivity, and positivity
- Common Sense – supports feelings of clarity and stability
Think of them as tools you can pick up when your brain needs a little extra love.
5. Consider Quality Supplements
Ideally, we’d get everything we need for brain health through diet—but that’s not always realistic. That’s why I’ve made supplements part of my morning routine.
Every day, I start with:
- NingXia Red – a delicious antioxidant-rich wolfberry purée
- Green Omega 3 – plant-based essential fatty acids
- Super B – for energy and healthy cognitive function
Those three are my go-to’s, but here are three other powerful options worth considering too:
- MindWise – supports cognitive health using CoQ10, ALCR, GPC, turmeric, fruit, & premium essential oils
- NingXia Nitro – a wolfberry drink that increases cognitive alertness & enhances mental fitness
- Master Formula – a full-spectrum supplement that provides vitamins & minerals to support brain function and more
No matter which you choose, think of supplements as a way to back up the good work you’re already doing with food and lifestyle.
6. Rest & De-Stress
Sleep is non-negotiable when it comes to brain health. Without it, memory, judgment, focus, and mood all suffer. The goal is 7–9 hours per night, ideally going to bed and waking up around the same time each day.
A few ways to improve both sleep and stress levels:
- Get regular exercise
- Unplug from screens in the evening
- Try stretching, reading, or meditating before bed
For me, listening to the Cultivate Connection podcast has become a favorite way to slow down, breathe, and reset my thoughts before bedtime. It helps me let go of the day and prepare for real rest.
Your brain needs downtime just as much as it needs activity.
7. Honor Your Mental Health
Caring for your brain also means caring for your emotional well-being. Conditions like depression can slow processing, affect memory, and make learning harder. The good news? You don’t have to carry that burden alone.
If you’re struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend or a licensed professional. A great resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which connects people with support and services.
Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health
Final Thoughts
Our brain does so much for us—let’s give it the love it deserves! From nourishing foods and daily movement to essential oils, supplements, rest, and caring for our mental health, these small steps can add up to big benefits.
These are just a few of the habits that have worked well for me, and maybe they’ll inspire you to create some of your own. If you’d like to explore the essential oils or supplements I mentioned, I’d be happy to share how you can get them in the most cost-effective way. Friends don’t let friends pay full price!
❤️ Here’s to a healthier, happier brain—one small step at a time.
In 2015 Sue began again, she started over, and did it all at the ripe old age of 61. She found Jesus, stopped drinking, got married and seriously began focusing on what mattered most. All it took was a decision to clean up her act which is why she considers herself “Blessed Beyond Measure”. Now she is a health and wellness educator of all things natural, looking to share with anyone who wants to make a change in their health and wellness journey. Visit her at suefilling.com. Get weekly wellness tips: Weekly Wellness Tips
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