Our habits shape our health—both physical and mental. Research shows that building and maintaining healthy habits can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is especially important for women, who make up 70% of people living with Alzheimer’s.
That’s one of the key reasons why Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) came to us with the idea for a habit-tracking app. They wanted a tool to help people—especially women—build daily routines supporting long-term brain health. We were honoured to help bring this vision to life by developing the BrainFit Free Habit Tracker.
In celebration of Brain Awareness Week, we asked the team how they use BrainFit to track and build their brain-boosting habits.
What Is Brain Awareness Week?
Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign that fosters public enthusiasm and support for brain research. It’s an opportunity to learn about brain health, neuroscience breakthroughs, and the small daily habits that can make a big difference in our cognitive well-being.
Brain health is the core of Women’s Brain Health Initiative’s mission. Its research highlights the importance of proactive lifestyle choices in reducing the risk of dementia, particularly for women—who are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The six pillars of brain health—physical activity, social engagement, brain stimulation, healthy diet, quality sleep, and stress management—are the foundation of their work. BrainFit helps users build habits around these pillars, making brain health a daily practice.
How We Use BrainFit as a Team
At BitBakery, we don’t just build apps—we use them too! Each of us has incorporated a BrainFit habit into our daily routine. Here’s how we’re leveraging the app to stay sharp:
Attila: Strength training
Strength training falls under the Physical Activity pillar, essential for brain health. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports the growth of new neural connections. Strength training, in particular, has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
"For me, strength training is more than just staying fit—it’s about long-term resilience. Exercise supports brain health by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. With BrainFit, I track my workouts and make sure I stay consistent. The app’s reminders help me keep strength training a priority, even on busy days."
Joe: Drink more water
Hydration is an essential component of the Healthy Diet pillar. Water is critical in delivering nutrients to the brain, flushing out toxins, and maintaining cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, making it crucial to maintain adequate water intake.
"Hydration is key to overall health, including brain function. I use BrainFit to track my water intake and make sure I hit my daily goal. I’ve found that staying hydrated helps with concentration and energy levels throughout the day. The app’s tracking feature keeps me accountable and reminds me when I need to drink up."
Ryan: Read every day
Reading aligns with the Brain Stimulation pillar, which emphasizes keeping the mind engaged to build cognitive reserves. Studies show that lifelong learning and mentally challenging activities can help slow cognitive decline and improve memory and problem-solving skills.
"Reading has always been a big part of my life, but now I track it as a brain health habit. Reading stimulates cognitive function and helps reduce stress, which is crucial for long-term brain health. BrainFit makes it easy to log my reading time and stay motivated to finish that ever-growing book list."
Wes: Wake up rested
The Quality Sleep pillar highlights the importance of rest in brain function and overall well-being. Sleep is when the brain consolidates memories, clears out waste products, and restores cognitive function. Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.
"I’ve always known that sleep is important, but using BrainFit to track my sleep habits has helped me see patterns and make adjustments. Good sleep hygiene—like going to bed at the same time every night—makes a big difference in how I feel during the day. Monitoring my sleep with BrainFit helps me stay accountable."
Annaliese: Be social
Being social is a key aspect of the Social Engagement pillar. Strong relationships and regular social interactions help keep the brain active, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. Studies show that social engagement can delay the onset of dementia and improve overall mental health.
"Social engagement is a major pillar of brain health, and I make it a point to stay connected with friends and family. Whether it’s a quick call, a coffee date, or a team lunch, I use BrainFit to track my social interactions. Having that reminder in the app ensures that I’m prioritizing relationships and not just getting lost in the workday."
Build your brain-healthy habits
Our team has seen firsthand how small daily habits can contribute to long-term cognitive well-being. These small changes can add up over time, whether it’s staying active, getting enough sleep, or making time for friends.
👉🏼 Ready to take charge of your brain health? Download the BrainFit Free Habit Tracker and start building habits that support your cognitive well-being today!
