Brain Awareness Week 2026
Brain Awareness Week (16th - 22nd) takes place in March each year. It’s an opportunity to talk about why brain health matters, and how brain diseases, disorders, and injuries affect millions of Australians.
Brain health is for everyone, at every stage of life. Brain Awareness Week encourages a proactive approach – focusing on practical steps to support brain health, reduce risk, and recognise symptoms earlier.
Scientists used to think that the brain’s capacity to change peaked in childhood and dramatically declined as we got older. While the aging process does begin to impact our brain before 40, research shows the potential for neuroplasticity throughout our lives. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt the function or structure of neurons – allowing us to learn new information and new ways of thinking. This means that when you use your brain in different ways you can activate different synapses and increase neuroplasticity. Just like any other muscle, these connections need to be used and challenged in order to stay strong.
Some other ways to challenge your brain include:
Taking a new route when driving to a familiar location
Learning a new language, sport, or skill
Avoid using calculators
Swap TV for mind games or a book
Play games that involve memory (bridge) or thinking ahead (chess)
Even something as simple as recalling what you did the previous weekend can challenge your brain
Of course, this ‘workout for your brain’ won’t be effective unless you are taking care of your overall health. Our mental health and lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, movement, and alcohol use impact on our brain health.
Some other tips for a healthy brain:
· Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
· Exercise often
· Avoid head trauma through using helmets and seatbelts
· Seek help for managing anxiety, stress and/or depression
· Get a good sleep (7-9hrs for adults)
· Avoid smoking and illegal drugs
For further information on brain health, check out the Brain Foundation website (https://brainfoundation.org.au/healthy-brain/).
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health difficulties and need someone to talk to, consider talking to your GP for referral pathways to a mental health professional, or reach out to a mental health professional directly. The numbers below can also provide support when needing someone to talk to. In an emergency, always call 000.
Lifeline - 13 11 14 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 Mensline - 1300 78 99 78
QLife (LGBTQI+ Support) - 1800 184 527 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support) - 13 92 76
Please note: the information above is a summary and a guide only and should not replace proper medical care and guidance.