Daily Habits for a Sharper Mind and Stronger Memory

56. Olfactory Training: The Scent-Memory Link

Our sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s memory and emotion centers, and olfactory training is the practice of harnessing this connection. The habit involves consciously smelling a few different scents (like essential oils of rose, eucalyptus, or clove) in a quiet setting for a few minutes each day. This practice has been shown to improve the sense of smell, which can often decline with age. By actively engaging this powerful sensory pathway, you are stimulating and strengthening the areas of the brain responsible for memory and emotional recall.

57. Building Cognitive Reserve

Think of your brain's health as a savings account. Cognitive reserve is the brain's ability to cope with damage by having a network of backup neural pathways. You build this reserve by consistently challenging your brain throughout your life. The habit is to proactively seek out novelty and complexity in your daily life—whether it’s learning a new skill, engaging in a new hobby, or even using your non-dominant hand for simple tasks. This continuous engagement of your neural networks creates a more resilient brain, better equipped to handle the cognitive challenges that may arise with age.