The everyday habits that will protect your brain as you age

Look after your noggin. No Images? Click here       Despite the eye cream I load on my lids or the sunscreen I slather on my skin, aging is inevitable. And you know what? That’s more than OK as long as I’m protecting my health. I know that includes eating well and exercising. What we’re only starting to understand is how much we need to look after our brains. This week, we broke down some of the basic habits you need to practice in order to have a healthy mind as you age. I’m not just talking about doing some crossword puzzles; I mean trying new adventures, spending time in nature and connecting with people you love. The things you’d do every day already, if you really made the time for them. Keep those noggins sharp by practicing these activities and maybe you’ll live well beyond 100. (I also hear little things like a daily bowl of porridge and badass independence also work well. Just sayin’.) —Lindsay Turn up the Wellness Jams Wellness Jams is a curated playlist from celebrities, influencers and readers meant to help you work out or chill out. This week, reader Eddy Smith shares a playlist that will put you in a good mood and help you nail your next fitness routine. Take a look at what Eddy had to say about the tunes below: “This is my feel good playlist but it doubles as a running and workout playlist. I usually queue a podcast at the beginning of a run and finish with this eclectic, motivational and (mostly) upbeat mix of songs.” HIT PLAY ON EDDY'S PLAYLIST Got a few tunes that push you through a hard gym session? Have some songs that perk you up on a bad day? Share your playlist by filling out this form. It may get featured in an upcoming newsletter. Words of wellness Sanaa Lathan on social media: “I don’t think it’s healthy for humans to constantly compare themselves. By nature, even if you see someone who you adore and they’re in Fiji, automatically you go, ‘Well, damn, I’m here.’ I think the key to happiness is keeping your eyes on your path.” Shailene Woodley on the best advice she got from her mom: “I've learned so much from my mother … never dyed her hair, never worried about wrinkles, never felt self-conscious about having her womanly body. And I took all of that to heart. I don't think there is any better lesson than that.” Lady Gaga on depression and anxiety: “I just want these kids to know that that depth that they feel as human beings is normal. We were born that way. This modern thing, where everyone is feeling shallow and less connected? That‘s not human.” You oughta know Searching for a good therapist is like finding good physician or hair stylist. You may want to lean on people you trust for suggestions, but should you? Reporter Jenna Birch investigated whether you should use the same mental health professional as your friend or relative. Here’s what you should know: A referral may help streamline the process... No one wants to spend weeks searching for the right therapist. A recommendation from your friend or family member may help with the time-consuming act of finding a solid, vetted professional. Your therapist will never break your trust… Whatever you say in your session — even if it’s about your friend or relative who referred you — is completely confidential. ...But all of this doesn’t necessarily mean you should do it. There are cases where it’s okay and where it’s not, but experts don’t necessarily recommend sharing a therapist overall. HOW TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION   Crushing on this 'Gram Want more wellness? 10 Actually Helpful Ways To Support A Friend Who Lost A Parent Because no one should have to go through grief alone. 13 Supportive Sports Bras That Hook In The Front You'll move but everything else won't. Suicide Is A Leading Cause Of Death For New Moms But Awareness Is Low This is so serious.    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25th 2018 we will be introducing a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe