Keeping your mind and body active for brain health

Discover how physical activity, lifelong learning and social connection can help support your cognitive health

Explore brain health

Looking after your brain doesn't have to involve complex routines or major lifestyle changes. Instead it's more about balance and consistency.

Our brains are designed to be used. Just as muscles benefit from regular movement, our brains thrive when they're challenged, engaged and supported through healthy lifestyle habits. Keeping both your body and your mind active can help support your overall wellbeing, while encouraging the social connections, learning opportunities and healthy routines that are needed to support brain health now and in future.

Whether you're taking a daily walk, learning a new skill or spending time with friends, there are small everyday actions that you can take to help keep you engaged, active and connected.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Next review: September 2029

Reviewed by: Neil Raichura

Physical activity for brain health

Staying physically active is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health, including your cognitive health. Don't worry, this doesn't have to mean running marathons or spending hours in the gym. What matters most is finding activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. These might be:

  • Going for a daily walk
  • Gardening
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Dancing
  • Yoga, or stretching
  • Playing with children or grandchildren
  • Household activities that keep you moving

Regular movement is also great for your heart health, whilst also helping support your joints and muscles.

Top tip: Try switching up your exercise routine seasonally. If your energy levels tend to be a little lower in winter, then something slower-paced like yoga might be better suited, whereas a daily walk or swim might be more appealing in summertime.

Keeping your mind active for brain health

Just as your body benefits from movement, your brain benefits from being challenged and engaged. Keeping your mind active doesn't mean you need to spend hours doing puzzles, but taking care to ensure your brain is engaged in some way each day can help support your cognitive health. You could try:

  • Reading books or newspapers
  • Doing crosswords or Sudoku
  • Playing board games or card games
  • Taking up a new hobby
  • Learning a new language
  • Trying new recipes
  • Attending community events
  • Meeting friends for coffee

Trying new things can help encourage learning and mental engagement.

Brain Health is all about balance

While staying physically and mentally active is important, it's only one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping support your brain health. You might want to learn more about:

FAQs

Is walking good for brain health?
Walking is a simple way to stay physically active and support your overall wellbeing. Physical activity is widely recognised as one of the lifestyle factors linked to healthy brain function throughout life.
What activities help keep your brain active?
Activities such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, playing games, taking classes and pursuing new hobbies can all help keep your mind engaged and challenged.
Does learning new things help cognitive health?
Keeping your mind active through lifelong learning is recognised as an important aspect of brain health. Whether that's learning a new language, picking up a new hobby or developing a new skill, continued learning helps keep your mind engaged.
Is physical activity or mental activity more important for brain health?
Both play a valuable role and are most effective when combined as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
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