Have you ever met people in their 80s or even 90s who could recite a long poem by heart? Actually, there’s nothing extraordinary about it.
There is a popular opinion that worsened memory and mental illnesses become inevitable as we grow older. However, abundant research has proof that continuous brain exercises help improve memory skills and keep us away from many ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Brain is so much more than just a body part. It single-handedly controls pretty much all the processes inside our body. And in order to keep brain sharp at any age, it’s important to train and challenge it throughout our entire life. It doesn’t happen on its own, of course.
So, here are some sure ways to boost your brain performance:
Be a social person
Although it’s perfectly natural to relish time alone, in a wider sense we are better off around other people. Being a people’s person helps develop analytical skills, as we learn so much from each other. Here I mean real life, face-to-face interaction. Communication through social media platforms is far from having the same effect.
Learn new skills
By doing so, you stimulate brain activity. There is no limit to the amount of skills one person can master. And contrary to a widespread belief, it’s never too late to learn. True, we grasp certain things faster when we are kids. But don’t let it hold you back. In reality many people start learning new things later in life and succeed, some even become experts. If you always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument or pick up a new language but have never gotten to it due to all-consuming work projects or a very busy life, now might be the time to do it. Learning something new makes you think more and embrace the unfamiliar experience.
Improve old skills
There is always room for perfection. Strumming your guitar once in a while unfortunately is not good enough. Regular practice however will do the trick and help improve your concentration, brain function, logical thinking and memory.
Read more and get creative
Reading makes you more versatile and a joy to be around, because the more you read the more eager you are to engage in a conversation, exchange knowledge and learn from others. Instead of watching TV try to develop creative thinking skills by listening to music, doodling, writing down your thoughts the moment they pop into your head.
Play brain games
Puzzles and brain-training games boost cognitive thinking and keep the mind focused. Any game or a puzzle works: from crossword puzzles to finding hidden 3D pictures. Even the likes of ‘where’s Waldo’ and ‘spot the difference’ will do just fine.
Explore meditation
The effect meditation has on a brain is still under a watchful eye of neuroscientists. But there’s no doubt that regular meditation improves concentration, attention, makes us reflect on our emotions and does wonders to our overall health and well-being.
Engage in physical activities
Mind and body form an unshakeable bond. Physical training has a pleasant side-effect on our mind in a form of increased brain potential. A better blood flow to the brain after a good exercise makes us more eager to learn and work as well as to memorize things faster.
Mind what you eat
To run like clockwork our brain needs a daily intake of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Brain and food have a very special relationship. Healthy foods contribute to proper brain functioning. While junk food deprives brain of many important minerals. To keep brain healthy, choose in favor of powerful brain foods like walnuts, oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables.
Last but not least. Mix it up by trying random things. Be a ‘yes’ person. Ignore that voice inside your head telling you to stick with the familiar. Go for the new things instead. This way you will reprogram your brain to thinking differently, thus expanding its potential.