Exercise, particularly aerobic forms, like running, skipping or taking a brisk walk, which elevate your heart rate and gets oxygen pumping around in your blood, is great for the brain. “Oxygen creates an environment for embryonic neurons to grow into fully-formed neurons via a process called neurogenesis, which is a form of neuroplasticity,” Swart says. “What’s interesting is that if it’s exercise you enjoy, the enjoyment aspect releases a growth factor called brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF, which encourages the growth of neurons.” So make sure it’s something you love doing. Dance, and social activities like ping pong or tennis are other great examples.