Easy and Effective Ways of Boosting Your Brain Power
Just think back on the last time you gave a little bit of attention to your brain. The fact is that many people do not give much thought to this vital organ. People come to realize its importance when their memory starts to fail. But do you have to wait until then. Of course, the answer is no. The good thing is that it is not too late to start now.
The brain has incredible power. Its cleverness is supreme too. However, it will be able to stay that way if you clean it up and re-furb often times. According to research, many human beings use only 10 percent of their brain power. You have the power to increase the percentage you put into use. As much as many geniuses are born that way, you can work your way there too. By working on your brain power, you can develop your intelligence considerably.
Do not imagine that you need to do super things to increase the power. The truth is you do not even need a cent to increase the functionality of the brain. Time is the only factor that you need. Regular repeat of the exercises to increase brain power is crucial. Additionally, there are foods, which have the ability to increase the power of your brain. Let us first look at the simple undertakings you can engage in to increase your brain power.
Experience something new
When you get into a habit of repeating the same things for a long time, the brain does not have to do much to remember this. This means that it will not be stimulated. You need to do new things on a daily basis to stimulate it.
New habits lead to creation of fresh neural pathways. The end result is an increase in intelligence level. Do not rack your brain trying to come up with complex things. Try a new recipe or take another route to the market. Taking up a new exercise regime is a good option too. You do not have to work on just one of them at ago. You can combine them for better results.
Regular exercises
The benefits of exercises have been repeated so many times at different scenarios it is now a cliché. Nonetheless, you need not take this advice for granted. Regular exercise has been shown to improve neurogenesis. This is the process of making new brain cells. Thus, every time you exercise you will lead to formation of fresh brain cells. Now that you know this, there is no reason for you to remain in the couch. Get up and exercise!
Memory training
You will hear many people make wishes to have better memory. The problem is that very few will work towards it. What you need to know is that there is no way you are going to get that through magic. It takes hard work. You can try to memorize numbers. The numbers in your driving license, insurance, passport an credit cards are a good point to start. Over time, you might even be able to remember your entire phone book. Now, isn’t that something to marvel about?
Be curious
It is very easy to fall in the habit of taking everything for granted. Maybe its time you stopped that habit and start questioning how things are done. When you want to know beyond what is obvious, you will be stimulating your brain to become innovative. That is how new ideas are born. Even though it is said that curiosity killed the cat, better things came out it. Computer and electricity would not have been discovered if not for curious people.
Think positively
People who are under high level of stress usually have less brain cells. Anxiety leads to brain cell death. Even though there are a lot of situations and occurrences in the normal life, which can stress you, learn how to control them. Not only will you be happier and healthy but also more intelligent.
Thinking positively can do the trick. Even when under the most horrible situation, think of how the situation will get better. Once you wire your brain to be doing this, you will start noticing some changes. According to research, people who think positively especially about the future have a high rate of brain cell formation. It is also a way to reduce anxiety and stress. When you find your mind full of negative thoughts, find positive ones to replace them with.
Eat healthy
Food plays a major role in body processes including brain cell formation. Twenty percent of the nutrients you take in go to the brain. In addition, the brain uses the same percentage of oxygen. Therefore, you need to think about this vital organ before you take harmful products. The foods you like might be sweet in the mouth but disastrous to the brain. That is why you need to think twice before taking the bite.
Additionally, eating healthy improves the functionality of the entire body systems. It also reduces the risk of suffering from chronic illness. Do not also forget that you will not age at a faster rate if you watch what you eat.
Read voraciously
If you are one of those people who only read posts in social media, revise your reading habits. Scanning through the newspaper and Internet blogs is not considered as reading. You need to read serious articles and novels. Reading will relieve stress and tension which are brain cell killers. In addition, it forces you to use your imagination.
Enough sleep
Sleep is a way for the brain to detox. It gives it enough time to generate new cells. It is also during sleep the brain gets time to remove the toxins from the daytime. Between 9pm and 12 midnight, that is when the activity is intense. Therefore, ensure that you are asleep between those hours. Even though you may have a lot of work, remember that you will not be able to go on if you fall sick.
Ditch the calculator and GPS
Technology is advancing and it is also making people lazy. That is why there are not many genius people in the modern world. In the past, people did not have the technological benefits. It meant they had to work harder to achieve what they needed. In the process, they stimulate their brain to increase the power.
You can go old school when navigating through different regions. Buy a map and try reading it. In addition, you can opt for computation of numbers using your mind rather than the calculator. Resist the temptation of using computer and smart-phones to solve problems. The brain is enough for you.
Deep breathing
Taking deep breathes increases the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Ten to fifteen minutes of deep breathing a day will give great results in the long term. Remember to do this too before you start studying or sit for an exam. You will lower your anxiety and improve the functionality of your brain. It is worth nothing that the breath should reach the bottommost part of the lungs.
Laugh
‘‘Laughter is medicine.” This is a saying, which has been around for a very long time. Guess what; it is true. It stimulates different parts of your brain. Thus, it will make you to think in a freer and broader manner. It reduces stress, which causes death of brain cells. You need to remind yourself to laugh everyday. You can use a funny background on your phone or computer. In addition, you can write up a funny joke daily and keep it close. Refer to it from time to time and have a good laugh. Even the most stressful issues will not weight you down if you do this.
Remember that we said eating healthy is one of the ways to increase your brain power, let me elaborate what that means. There are certain types of food that boost neurogenesis. In the discussion below, I am going to elaborate on them and the effect they have on the brain.
Olive oil
It contains high level of polyphenols. They are a powerful antioxidant which has a protective effect on the brain. This means by taking olive oil, you will be enhancing your brain power
Coconut oil
It enhances the ability of the neurons in the brain to use energy. Besides this, it reduces the rate of production of free radicals. Another importance of this oil is provision of saturated fatty acids. They are vital in maintaining the integrity of brain cell membrane.
Wild salmon
It is high in omega-3 oil DHA. DHA is resourceful in stimulation of brain cell growth. In addition, it ensures that the already existing ones remain healthy.
Blueberries
They are packed with antioxidants, which are protective to the brain. Additionally, they reduce the probability of inflammation. Inflammation is the main cause of degenerative diseases of the brain. They can be found readily in the market. However, you can also go for purple and dark red vegetables and fruits. They contain the same protective compounds as blueberries.
Turmeric
This vital product acts on the DNA parts, which lead to reduction of the chances of inflammation.
Eggs
They contain choline in high quantities. This is a precursor in the formation of acetylcholine. It is one of the most importance neurotransmitters in the body. Additionally, eggs have high cholesterol content. It is needed in formation of brain cell membranes. Apart from this, it had protective abilities on the cell membrane
Dandelion greens
They have a high content of prebiotic fiber. This fiber type helps in nurturing the growth of gut bacteria, which are brain supportive.
Walnuts
They contain several types of nutrients, which support maintenance of a healthy brain. The nutrients include copper, vitamin E and omega-3 fats.
Pumpkin seeds
They are rich in zinc. The mineral helps in boosting memory. They will also improve your thinking skills. The seeds also have tryptophan, magnesium and the B vitamins. Tryptophan is a precursor in formation of serotonin. The neurotransmitter is responsible for good mood.
Almonds
They have omega-3 fatty acids and also vitamin E. All this has protective powers on the brain.
Broccoli
It is very rich in vitamin K. The vitamin enhances cognitive abilities and also improves brainpower.
Broccoli also has glucosinalates, which slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter is crucial for the functionality of the central nervous system. It also makes your memory to be sharp. People who have low acetylcholine levels mostly suffer from Alzheimer.
Whole-grains
The brain is not able to store its own energy. Therefore, you will only be able to focus and concentrate on something if it has optimal energy. Thus, the energy levels should not go down. Wholegrains release glucose slowly for a long time. This helps in keeping the supply at a constant. The consequences are that you will remain mentally alert all through the day. It explains why many People become irritable when hungry. When buying wholegrain, go for the the brown ones. They include pasta, rice, cereals and granary bread.
Drink green tea
According to the American journal of clinical nutrition, green tea lowers the chances of development of psychological distress. You need to take at least five cups on a daily basis. It will also give your brain a boost to keep going the entire day.
It may seem overwhelming to buy and consume all these kinds of foods. If you may not be in a position to do this, you might consider going for supplements. Even though researchers link infancy diet and dementia, even nutrition standards in adulthood have an effect. Supplements, which have high omega-3 fatty acids, should be given priority. Nonetheless, it is not a decision you can make on your own. You have to consult your doctor before you make the purchase. There are baseline investigations, which have to be done before the prescription is made. Ensure that your children get the supplements too when they are young. It will help them to grow healthy.
Remember that at the end of the day it is you to suffer when you make the wrong choices. On the other hand, the benefits of making the right choice will come to you. You need to think about this before you decide the direction to take. You will not get someone’s body or brain power. However, you can work on what you already have to get to where you want. It is not impossible as long as you have determination. A little patience is essential too. Make he right choice and watch as your intelligence takes a turn for the better!
