For years—decades even—you’ve dreamed of retirement. Long, lazy days. Evenings relaxing on the front porch. Mornings tinkering around the house. Weeks or months traveling the world. And then there’s time with grandkids, exploring hobbies, fixing up the house, and the list goes on.

While you’re doing all that and more, it’s important to create habits and sprinkle in activities that keep your mind sharp. That’s because the brain changes with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, your memory may decline and the ability to learn new things can become more difficult. It can also be challenging to multi-task and pay attention at times.

Some of those changes could be related to the relaxed pace of retirement, but they may also be a sign of aging. Whatever the cause, there are a number of things you can do to help keep your mind in tiptop shape. Here are some ideas:  

Eat food that fuels your brain

Your diet could make a big difference in your mental acuity. Researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet may help with memory and cognitive function. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating lots of vegetables and fruits, especially berries and cherries; mixing in more foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood and algae; and adding walnuts into your snacking schedule.

Learn something new

Challenge yourself by expanding your mind and stepping out of your comfort zone. Check with your local community college, library, or senior center to see if there are any classes that catch your fancy. If there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue, such as gardening, cooking, crochet or pickleball, take advantage of your free time and start now.

Make volunteering a part of your routine

Building relationships, talking to people, laughing—all of these things are good for your mental and cognitive health, and they all come with the territory when you volunteer. Think about some causes that are meaningful to you, and ask around about opportunities to get involved.

Stay connected

Keep up with friends and family on the phone, in person, and through social media. Loving, trusting relationships help improve your mood and attitude, and the interactions will help keep you sharp (and up-to-date with the people you love the most).

Use memory tools

Knowing that your memory may start to fade with age is half the battle. Now, it’s up to you to come up with a workaround. For some people, that means repeating a name or fact as soon as you hear it. Others prefer to write it down or create rhymes to help with recall. For more memory tools and tips, the experts at Harvard have additional suggestions.

Get your sweat on

Research has shown that exercise can improve memory and thinking. Plus, there are so many other added benefits: exercise helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and it may help improve your mood. If you’re looking to spice up your workout routine, try something new, like a yoga or cycling class. Or join a team where you’ll have the added benefit of connecting with new people.

Retirement is an exciting chapter, one that promises as much relaxation and adventure as you care to take. Just remember to take care of yourself, too, so that you can enjoy every minute of it. If you’re concerned about memory fade or loss, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.