Be a high (impact) achieverThe brain may not be a muscle, but approaching it like one makes a difference. Physical exercise can strengthen many areas of brain health. According to Harvard Health, “aerobic exercise improves functions such as cognitive speed, auditory and visual attention, and motor control”.You only have to look at the regimens of entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson (high-cardio exercise), Google CEO Sundar Pichai (yoga and walking) and Oprah Winfrey (strength training and cardio) to see how moving the body helps to get the mind into gear.But you don’t need access to Branson’s elite kite-surfing kit (and Hawaii’s Necker Island) to pursue these activities. Ekstedt has found traditional methods are still the ones people are using to exercise their bodies and mind. “Personal trainers, gym memberships, running, cycling and swimming remain quite popular.”However, that’s not to say executives aren’t finding ways to make their workouts more luxe and appealing, investing in memberships at lushly designed gyms and health centres such as Soma Wellness Club in Sydney and the exclusive Saint Haven in Melbourne.Prioritise sleep At the opposite end of the spectrum, today’s successful leaders are making sure they know how to wind down after a day of revving up, acknowledging that sleep is vital for concentration and cognitive development – business acumen must-haves.The Sleep Health Foundation reports being awake for 18 hours can equate to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent when it comes to reaction time and concentration ability. “A lot of ambitious people sacrifice sleep,” says Ekstedt. “But it’s subject to the law of diminishing returns, and ultimately becomes very counter-productive and quite dangerous.”In order to maintain healthy sleep, Ekstedt adds, many smart executives are taking an approach that works across any age group. “Reducing stimulation and bright lighting for a couple of hours before a regular bedtime can be very effective,” he says.Like many other aspects of their lives, professionals are streamlining their health regimen and using technology whenever possible. From health apps on phones and smartwatches, to chic devices such the Oura ring, the C-suite is monitoring this aspect with interest, while some are taking up the services of sleep coaches to maximise those snoozing hours.Plating up successDiet also plays a huge role in brain health. A report from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of NSW states, “for optimal cognitive functioning, the brain requires a healthy diet high in micronutrients, proteins, essential oils and carbohydrates”.Seeking assistance from a professional in this area is highly recommended, and again tech is also helping, with Ekstedt finding some of his clients using apps that “focus on the emotional drivers of unhealthy eating” to tackle the bigger picture of behaviour around food.Specialised dietitians and executive health-check services have also taken off, helping professionals fine-tune their food intake just as they would their balance sheets.An extra additionAnother way business leaders are streamlining their daily regimen is using supplements for some extra assistance.For example, Australian company Melrose FutureLab, which counts entrepreneur hero Mark Bouris and famed Australian designer Darren Palmer as ambassadors, has specifically designed its Daily Longevity Stack powdered formula “to support healthy ageing across four essential biological systems: cellular energy, cognitive function, physical strength and the nervous system”.For busy professionals, the company hopes that, like Bouris and Palmer, others will see that a supplement can become a “daily ritual for long-term performance and wellbeing”.Just get to itBusiness leaders know that to stay ahead in the game, maximising brain health as we mature needs to be placed at the top of the agenda – longevity, clarity and resilience depend on it.“It’s almost impossible to achieve long-term, sustainable performance while ignoring your mental wellbeing,” says Ekstedt. Really, it’s a no-brainer.DISCLAIMERFutureLab Daily Longevity Stack — AUST L 623527. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Adults only. Not suitable for children. The recommended duration of use for a medicine containing NMN is 12 weeks or less. Vitamins and minerals can only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate. Available exclusively at melrosefuturelab.com.au.The information in this article is general in nature. Please see your GP or healthcare professional for advice that is specific to your medical needs.