When it comes to health and wellness, we often focus on our bodies, but what about our brains? Emma Heming Willis, cofounder of Make Time Wellness, is on a mission to change that. Alongside her business partner Helen Christoni, Willis launched the brand in 2022 to address a crucial gap in women’s health: brain care.
Willis’s passion for brain health stems from personal experience. As the wife of actor Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022, she’s witnessed firsthand the importance of cognitive wellness. Along with her own experiences, this journey has inspired her to educate and empower women to prioritize their brain health.
“Women don’t know how to look after their brains,” Willis explains. “It was never on my radar until I had to seek out someone to help with my brain fog.” This realization led to the creation of Make Time Wellness, a supplement brand that speaks to women at a “ground level” about brain health.
The response to Make Time Wellness has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone’s like, ‘Oh my God, thank you. I need this,'” says Christoni. The brand’s approach is refreshingly simple in a world where the supplement space can be overwhelming and complicated. “We’re not too sciency. We know how to speak to people that have never heard about brain health before,” adds Willis.
At the heart of Make Time Wellness products are key ingredients scientifically proven to support brain health. Christoni highlights Cognizin, an ingredient well-studied in both women and men, which supports healthy brain function. Another star ingredient is curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to promote focus, clarity and cognition. (Energizing MCT oil, a full women’s multivitamin and biotin are also included in the offerings.)
But Willis emphasizes that brain health goes beyond supplementation, outlining several pillars for great brain health that are “very tangible and not out of reach.” She says sleep, nutrition and social interaction all play crucial roles, too.
When it comes to nutrition, Willis advises reducing sugar intake and focusing on brain-friendly foods. “Leafy greens, making sure that you get your healthy fats, which are in salmon, legumes. It’s about how to eat clean. When you eat clean, it really supports your brain and your body and your beauty,” she explains.
Sleep another critical factor. Willis aims for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, recognizing its importance for brain function. “When you sleep, you have the glymphatic system that goes into your brain, and it essentially throws the trash out from that day. But you can only do that when you’re in REM deep sleep,” she notes.
Physical activity is also a key component of Willis’s brain-health routine. She ensures she moves her body daily, whether it’s cardio, weight lifting or simply walking. “Walking is really so great for your brain. 8,000 steps a day. And you know what we say at Make Time: Grab a friend, go for a walk, dump your problems, and you’re really benefiting your brain,” she shares.
Lastly, Willis stresses the importance of social interaction. In our screen-dominated world, she encourages making time to connect with friends, either outside or at home—”it’s a must.”
Through Make Time Wellness and her advocacy, Willis is bringing much-needed attention to women’s brain health. By following her actionable advice—prioritizing sleep, eating brain-friendly foods, staying active, maintaining social connections, and opting for targeted supplementation—women can take proactive steps towards bettering their brain health as soon as today.
