5 things that make your brain age

Every excess teaspoon of sugar not only widens the waistline but also shrinks the hippocampus, the part of the brain that manages memory and learning.

Checking your phone every 5 minutes is not harmless: you are reprogramming your brain to function like a loose cannon. Continuous "pings" and notifications reduce your attention span and make it impossible to concentrate. And let's not even talk about nighttime use: that blue light is like a punch in the face to melatonin (and your sleep).

Having a routine that is too rigid and lacks different stimuli can result in the brain working on autopilot, limiting its ability to adapt and grow. Variety and new experiences are essential for keeping the brain active.

Attempting to perform multiple activities simultaneously may seem productive, but it actually tires the brain and reduces the ability to process information deeply. Focusing on one task at a time helps preserve cognitive function.

Spending all your free time in passive activities like watching TV without ever engaging in hobbies that stimulate the brain can cause it to atrophy. Activities such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills keep the brain young.