If you don’t keep your mind active, your brain can lose some of its functionality as you age, which causes memory loss, brain fog, and even Alzheimer’s, studies show. A well-stimulated brain elevates your mood, which helps you feel better on the insidBrain-training efforts designed to improve working memory can also boost scores in general problem-solving ability and improve fluid intelligence, according to University of Michigan research from 2008. Here are brain boosting activities that could help you maintain a healthy mind:
- Play games that challenge and stimulate your mind
Although the evidence of brain benefits from game playing is sparse and often contradictory, engaging in mental challenges that you find enjoyable is a good way to spend some spare time, and surely can’t hurt. Try such things as Puzzles, strategy games, crossword puzzles, cards, deduction games (such as Clue), Visualization Puzzles, and optical Illusions.
- Read A Good Novel
Reading stimulates the brain as it activates your imagination. Reading also helps with memory retention and problem solving, especially if you’re reading a mystery. Also, self-help books stimulate your brain by helping you to think for yourself, as well as find solutions in your mind.
- Exercising helps circulate blood that carries oxygen to your brain
Over the long-term, exercise is proven to increase brainpower and even create new neurons. MRI scans have revealed that endurance runners’ brains have greater functional connectivity than the brains of more sedentary people.
- Meditation
Stimulate your brain with meditation. Meditation has been shown to increase your IQ, relieve stress, and promote a higher level of brain functioning. Meditation also stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area of the brain responsible for advanced thinking, ability and performance.
- Breathe
Deep breathing helps deliver oxygen to your brain. Oxygen helps you be more alert and awake. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily can increase brain functionality. Controlled breathing at a slowed rate can also significantly reduce feelings of pain, according to 2010 research.
- Omega 3
Taking fish oil supplements is literally like membrane material for the brain. The two primary components in omega 3 fatty acid fish oil, DHA and EPA, strengthen the emotional center of the brain and boost focus.
- Add Some Music To Your Day
Studies have proven that listening to music strengthens the right hemisphere of the brain and actually changes the structure of it. Also, people who listen to music are shown to be more emotionally intelligent than those who don’t.
- Get Some Sleep
Sleep clears out brain clutter and reduces brain fog. When you don’t get enough sleep at night, your memory and normal brain function suffers.
- Don’t Skip Breakfast
Starting the day out with a good breakfast has been proven to supply energy to the brain and body for the whole day. When you skip breakfast, you’re missing out on a powerful edge, both physically and mentally.
- Go Take A Walk
Walking allows you to clear your mind and thoughts. Not only is it good exercise for your body, walking gives your brain a chance to wander freely, clearing it of any troublesome thoughts.
To get the most out of these brain boosting activities, mix them up and do a variety of them at different times. Just trying one likely won’t boost your brainpower. However, combining and alternating them just may give your brain the added boost you need now and in the long run.
