As summer comes to a close, our sixth and final week of the Brain Health Summer Series is all about making healthy habits stick. 

Over the past six weeks, we’ve explored simple activities that can support brain health, from summer recipes, ways to get outside, and activities to challenge your brain. As a new season begins, now is a great opportunity to reflect on the activities you’ve enjoyed this summer and think about how you can carry them forward into the months ahead. 

But how exactly can you make those new habits stick as we enter a new season? 

 

Three ideas to help healthy habits last 

 1. Build new habits into existing routines

Starting a new habit can feel challenging, especially when life gets busy. One simple technique is habit stacking, which means linking a new behaviour to something you already do as part of your everyday routine. 

For example: 

• Do you find it hard to make time to move? Go for a short walk after the daily school run or during your lunch hour. 

• Got your usual weeknight recipes? Introduce one new vegetable to add more colour. 

• Usually start the day with a cuppa? Why not try a sudoku and start the day with a brain challenge? 

• Never seem to have time to read? Keeping a good book near your bedside is the first step to make reading part of your bedtime routine. 

By attaching a new habit to an existing routine, it becomes easier to remember and more likely to become a normal part of your day. 

 2. Share your goals to stay accountable

Think about the activities you’ve enjoyed during the summer and schedule in times to do the things you’ve enjoyed most. Making plans with others can help to keep you accountable when life gets busy. 

For example: 

• If you’ve been spending more time outdoors, try to keep a weekend walk or after-school visit to the park in your routine. 

• If you’ve enjoyed family games, quizzes or puzzles, schedule an evening each week to keep the fun going. 

• If you’ve been connecting with friends and family more often, schedule a regular phone call or meet-up. 

Whether it’s a partner, friend, family member or another parent at the school gates, telling someone what you’re hoping to continue can provide encouragement and motivation – not to mention it might inspire them to think about their brain health too.

 3. Be realistic and go easy on yourself

It’s not always possible to maintain the same routines you had over the summer months, and that’s okay. 

A new season often brings changing schedules, new commitments and unexpected challenges. Rather than trying to recreate your summer routine exactly, focus on adapting the habits you’ve enjoyed so they fit your day-to-day. 

The most important thing is to find something that you can be consistent with. Small actions still count, and every positive choice is a step towards better brain health. 

 

We hope this summer series has inspired you to try new ways to support your brain health. 

Why not start by taking the Brain Health Check-in? It can help you discover what you’re already doing well for your brain health and show you where you may have room for improvement. Check-in – Think Brain Health – Alzheimer’s Research UK