While you may be spending time contemplating how to keep your body as a lean, mean active machine, you also need to think about your cognitive strength. Our brains are one of the most important muscles in our bodies, and yet we often fail to address how our behaviors limit its potential. However, with a little training, you can develop your brain to improve its capacity.
Imagine being able to think quicker, to identify issues and provide solutions at a greater pace – you’d be far more efficient and proficient! Here are five ways to boost your brain power.
Do something new
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut and be on a cycle of schedules. By experiencing something new, you stimulate your brain which creates neural pathways which allow messages to be received quicker by the brain. You don’t have to be extreme and take up sky-diving for example, just introduce new activities; it could be going to an Escape Room Cincinnati, OH or even trying new recipes – anything that is new and increases mental effort will boost your brain power.
Exercise
Exercise is not only important for your physical wellbeing but your brain’s power too. The rigors of exercise increase the oxygen that is available to the brain, which helps reduce damaging free radicals from making an impact. People who exercise regularly have been found to have improved memory, thinking skills and benefit from mental clarity – not a bad reward for the effort of taking a regular jog.
Sleep
It feels counterintuitive to suggest sleep is a way to boost brain power, but sleep is an important time for your brain to process the information of the day and recuperate from the stresses and strains of waking hours. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours sleep a night, and even just reducing sleep time by a couple of hours can compromise a brain’s aptitude to remember, think critically, and problem solve.
Socialize
You may have thought that to train your brain for improvement you need to be able to complete a crossword puzzle in record time, but our brains also benefit from less high-brow activities. Humans are social beings and benefit enormously from socializing. We are not made to be isolated, and by spending time with your own tribe ensures that your brain is stimulated and exercised. This is the reason why seniors are advised to keep being social; being sociable reduces the speed of cognitive decline.
Food
Just as you think about the food that you eat in terms of fueling exercise, you need to also eat for your brain. Your cognitive function requires specific nutrients so that it performs to its best ability. Aim to eat a smorgasbord of colors for each meal, and you will be getting the right fuel for your brain – think beets, broccoli, blueberries, avocados, salmon to name but a few. Avoid processed foods, foods high in trans fats and sugary drinks as these are all detrimental to your brain’s power.
Taking care of your brain like you would any other muscle is important, and if you start right now, you will be able to feel the benefits for years to come.
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