23. Forget sit and stay. Go walkies instead

Want to give your brain some love? One of the most important things you can do is be kind to your heart.

We know how important things like being physically active, eating healthily and not smoking are for our heart. But fewer people realise that doing the very same things can help keep our brains ticking over.

It’s never too early or late to start thinking about protecting our brains, and research shows that taking steps to improve our health in our 30s, 40s and 50s can be especially important in helping lower our risk of developing dementia in later life.

Like most things in life, it’s about making choices that work for you.

For example, being physically active doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. It could be dancing in the kitchen or a brisk walk instead of taking the bus.

And paying attention to your diet could mean finding healthier versions of recipes you already enjoy.

The more you enjoy things, the more you’ll keep doing them – and the more your brain will thank you in the years ahead.

Click on the images below to find out more.