Here at Strong Women, we’ve written a lot about what goes into having a healthy brain. It’s a complex organ, so you might not be surprised to learn that many factors can influence how healthy it is, including diet, exercise and genetics.

Of course, many of these factors can also influence the other organs in the body; regular exercise will keep our heart and lungs functioning well, and eating a fibre-rich, diverse diet is key for good gut health. But there is one other thing experts believe we can do to support our brain health that’s completely unique: building our cognitive reserve.

Based on the idea that keeping your mind active can help to protect your brain from decline and damage, cognitive reserve theory suggests that several activities can help us to keep our brains healthy – including challenging the brain with hobbies and puzzles.

Why this simple daily habit could be the key to good brain health as you age