Sure, six-pack abs and cellulite-free legs would be nice, but have you ever wondered about fitness for your brain? Just as physical exercise strengthens your body, mental activity helps your mind stay sharp and resist effects of the cognitive aging process. While challenging your IQ certainly keeps your brain healthy, there are also other lifestyle choices you can make that benefit your noggin. Here are some ways to improve your mental fitness.

Be a brainiac. Think that learning a musical instrument is for middle school kids and scrabble is a senior citizen pastime? Think again. Learning new skills and challenging yourself will literally cause your brain to grow. When new connections between nerve cells are made, your mind stores and retrieves information more efficiently. While taking foreign language classes or attempting the New York Times crosswords will certainly give your brain a boost, simply reading or picking up a new hobby like knitting offers excellent benefits.

Chill out. When you’re stressed, your brain releases hormones that are potentially damaging over long periods of time. If your stress level borders on anxiety, think of that cloudy, overwhelming feeling in your head as your brain calling out for help. Throughout the day, take deep breaths and refocus your attention. If you find yourself under constant stress that seems to stem from every day sources, you might want to rethink your routine. While many people find that meditation is a great way to wind down, experts have proven that regular practice increases brain size and slows down some effects of cognitive aging. 

Eat well and drink little…alcohol, that is. We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for your body in general, but they really do wonders for your brain.  Antioxidants in these foods help prevent cholesterol from damaging the inner lining of your arteries and slowing down blood flow to your brain. Berries, oranges, carrots, spinach and more all revive and protect brain cells. Fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have also been shown to boost brainpower. If you want to keep healthy brain cells around, drink alcohol in moderation. Studies have shown that lifelong drinkers are at higher risk of developing memory problems, especially diseases like dementia, while those who drink small amounts of alcohol daily are at lower risk.

Be a social butterfly. Engaging in social networks has been shown to assist in developing and maintaining mental alertness. As expert Lawrence Katz writes, "There's a lot of evidence that other people are the most unpredictable things you can encounter, so activities that have you engaging with other human beings are a fantastic form of brain exercise." Try some dance lessons – the physical challenge and social interaction will provide a great cognitive workout! Don’t forget your four-legged friends, too. Animal interaction is also an effective way to keep your brain young. 

Taking care of your mind will have positive effects on all aspects of your life, from physical to emotional benefits. Even small changes throughout your day can give you lifelong results. Taking care of your brain now is a sure way to ensure its health in years to come. So pick up a crossword puzzle or some carrots because after all, a mind is a terrible thing to waste!