21 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power
By Jacob Inman, Revive Your Life Executive Editor
Image by lapolab
We’d all like to have more energy, think more clearly, and make great decisions throughout the day. The busyness of everyday life can make us feel sluggish and run down while negatively impacting cognitive thinking and hampering our ability to effectively deal with stress. What steps can we take to improve our reasoning and boost our brain power? Here are 21 of the most important ways to do just that:
1. Take Fish Oil - This essential fat is high in omega 3’s, specifically EPA and DHA which are important for brain development and maintenance.
2. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument - Studies show that the musically inclined have increased brain function and are able to multi-task more efficiently than non-musicians.
3. Avoid Sugar - Fluctuations in blood glucose (sugar) levels can impair cognitive ability causing the brain to lag.
4. Sleep Well - As we sleep, the brain ‘resets’ itself. Brain power and function are greatly enhanced with a good night of sleep.
5. Breathe - Poor breathing leads to many ill effects on our health and well-being. We are more alert and focused when our breathing is smooth and rhythmic. Think belly breathing.
6. Meditate Often - Meditation allows us to clear the mind of obtrusive thoughts and clutter. With the cobwebs gone, our brains can run at full speed more efficiently.
7. Turn Off the TV - Excessive television watching is mind-numbing and actually causes certain areas of the brain to shut down. Limit TV time to 30 minutes.
8. Write Down Great Ideas - Keep a journal of interesting thoughts or ideas you have throughout the day. Take the time to expand on those ideas, examining them from varying vantage points.
9. Listen to Others - When in conversation, focus intently on what the other person is saying rather than thinking about your response. You’ll train yourself to become a better listener and open your thinking to the ideas of others.
10. Breakfast - Eat it.
11. Draw a Picture - Look at a drawing created by a young child. Interesting? Of course. Make one of your own, particularly an abstract drawing which can expand creativity and open up new channels for cognitive processing.
12. Think Positive - Negative thinking creates ruts or grooves of patterned thought. Think positively to boost your brain power and allow meaningful and useful thoughts to enter.
13. Expand Your Vocabulary - Learn a new word everyday and attempt to incorporate it into conversation.
14. Read Quotes and Write Your Own - Great thinkers develop profound sayings that we love to repeat. Do some great thinking and write some quotes of your own.
15. Study Neuroplasticity - Do your own research on the amazing ability of the brain to be continuously molded and shaped by the way we think and act. The brain is ever-changing - find out how you can influence the path it takes.
16. Read Great Books - Challenge your brain with new information daily and decide to embark on a journey of lifelong learning.
17. Change your Daily Routine - Boredom stalls progress and turns the brain to mush. Take a new route to work, workout in the morning instead of the evening, or try a new restaurant for lunch.
18. Listen to Music - I mean really listen to it. Tune into the drum fills and feel the power of the bass. Play the air guitar.
19. Block One or More Senses - Type with your eyes closed, walk around the house while blindfolded (be careful!) or eat in complete and utter silence.
20. Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods - This powerful mineral clears up brain fog and plays an important role as a protector of the brain. It can also improve neurological functioning and decrease anxiety.
21. Just Laugh - Laughing releases the all-powerful endorphins that set us at ease and provide a boost to our mood and sense of well-being.
Feel free to share your powerful brain-boosting tips in the comments section below!
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These are all very good points. My mother is 92 and she is sharp as ever. She takes fish oil on a regular basis and she has also pointed out the importance of magnesium. Thanks for the good tips.
@ Joann - Two of the most important on this list for sure! Thanks for sharing!
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