The Eat.Play.Rest challenge
Brain health is important for your overall wellbeing. Trying something new, and being physically and mentally active, are all key to better brain health. Take our 7-day challenge and get your body moving in a fun and playful way.
Day 1 – Go for a walk or jog with a friend
Did you know that feeling connected can help boost your energy and your mood? Call up your bestie and get moving in the fresh air. The best part? You’re boosting your brain health while you walk and talk! Physical movement helps your mood, concentration and alertness.
Day 2 – Complete a 10-minute meditation
Guide yourself towards a healthy mindset.
Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need is a few spare minutes, a little patience, and a quiet place to sit. Giving your brain time to rest helps it recover and perform when you need it.
Follow a guided meditation to step into the Zen zone:
- Take a seat
- Set a 10-minute time limit
- Notice your body, get comfortable and close your eyes
- Feel your breath and slow it down
- Notice when your mind wanders
- Focus on deep breathing
- Be kind to your thoughts
- Close with gratitude
Day 3 – Make an easy brain-healthy lunch
What we eat can help us nourish our brain, just like our body. Lunch is the perfect time to pack in those nutrients our brain loves. Fill your plate with omega-3s, and lots of colour to give your brain that midday boost. For food inspiration, check out some of these recipes.
Day 4 – Do a pilates, yoga or stretching session
Build your body and brain fitness.
Stretching exercises help to relieve muscle tension that is often caused by carrying stress in our body. The increased blood flow to your muscles during stretching contributes to a clearer mind. Even better? Learning new activities challenges our brain and keeps it strong. It’s a mind & body win/win!
Day 5 – Have a facemask
Rest and relax with some self-care.
Get into your dressing gown, pop on a face mask and wind down with some relaxing tunes. Did you know that when we listen to music, our heart syncs with the beat? A gentle tune can calm your body and mind!
Day 6 – Create a brain-healthy recipe
Nutritious and delicious.
Spending time in the kitchen trying a new recipe helps boost your brain by providing a new challenge and nourishing it with the ingredients it loves. Perhaps try this delicious Salmon Soba Bowl recipe for a tasty dinner or lunch. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 150g salmon pan-fried
- Soba noodles
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Chili
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Spring onion
- Coriander
Day 7 – Read a chapter of a book
Swap the scrolling for a story.
There’s a long list on the benefits of reading – improved cognitive function, strengthened memory, lowered stress levels, to name a few. Swap your screen time to delve into a book, whether it’s to wind down before bed or on your morning commute to work.