7 Ways to take care of your brain according to God’s plan

Taking care of your brain means taking care of your ability to think, experience, and understand God's world. Let's remember that grace is based on nature! The brain is an amazing tool, but it needs care to serve us throughout our lives. What can we do to keep it healthy?

Here are seven scientifically proven methods to help you maintain mental clarity and good mental health.

Hydration is key to a healthy brain. Even mild dehydration can impair concentration and memory. It’s no coincidence that water plays such an important role in the Bible, from the waters of creation to the baptism in the Jordan River. Look up how much water you should have every day and take care of your health with gratitude for the gift of life.

The diet we choose has a huge impact on our brain. For example, studies show that a Mediterranean-style diet significantly reduces the risk of dementia. Leafy greens, beets, pickles, fruit, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts are all foods rich in substances that are essential for proper brain function. Doesn't that sound like a return to the Garden of Eden?

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis — the formation of new neurons. Experts recommend different types of exercise for different people, but movement can be more than just exercise. St. John Paul II emphasized the value of pilgrimages, which combine physical activity with prayer. How about adding a daily Rosary walk to your routine?

Sleep isn’t a waste of time, but a form of regeneration that cleanses our brain of toxins. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to function properly. The saints often emphasized that proper rest is a gift from God. Even Jesus found time to sleep during a storm on the lake! And don't forget how God instructed Elijah to take a nap.

Every talent we have is a gift worth developing. Learning languages, playing strategy games, solving puzzles — all these activities boost brain plasticity. Research shows that cognitive training can improve memory and concentration. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to learn Latin or Greek in order to explore the writings of the Church Fathers?

Loneliness damages the brain. Regular time with family, friends, or church groups activates brain areas responsible for memory and emotion. From the early Christian communities to modern parishes, the Church has always fostered connection. Maybe this is your sign to get more involved in your local faith community?

Alcohol and tobacco not only harm the body—they also degrade neurons, impairing memory and concentration. The WHO recommends moderation or total abstinence. It’s worth noting that many saints, such as St. Maximilian Kolbe and Blessed Carlo Acutis, avoided stimulants. They chose sobriety and mental clarity as tools for serving God.