Sleep is powerful stuff. In addition to maintaining our immune systems and giving us energy to get through the day, it also can help take the edge off painful memories, say researchers at University of California, Berkeley. One of the reasons: Spending time in the dream phase of sleep (REM sleep) gives our stress hormones a rest—and actually decreases them. Make sure you get enough sleep nightly to help create a stress-free environment for your brain.

Wear your watch on the opposite wrist for a day. Just a simple change like this—having to look on the other arm every time you want to know the time—can wake you up and get your brain working in new ways. What other simple changes can you make to your daily routine that will help keep your mind activated?