Sometimes, our brains just don’t cooperate with us when we need them to. Either through a lack of focus and concentration or through aging, it’s entirely frustrating when this happens.
However, fear not, as there is a way in which we can help to increase brain power so that we can achieve our goals and aspirations in life – and be our ultimate successful selves.
The thought of being able to train your brain to improve cognitive abilities and memory is far from new.
There are a number of self-help books and video games out there that aim to help boost your brain power. The idea is that our cognitive functions can be improved by a few simple exercises – similar to the way in which we exercise our body.
8 Ways to Increase Brain Power
1. Dress to impress.
The California State University worked on a study to see whether wearing formal clothes had any enhancement on the cognitive functions of the brain.
The results showed that dressing formally could not only help to change our own thought processes but also has a positive effect on those around us.
Abraham Rutchick, professor of psychology, stated that there is a certain sense of power that comes with wearing formal clothes and can help change the way in which we think and see the world.
2. Exercise regularly.
It’s simple science: having a healthy body will equate to having a healthy mind.
Studies by Cardiff University showed that healthy habits can reduce the risk of dementia. Participants in the study were asked to partake in a number of healthy behaviours (such as regular exercise, non-smoking, etc.) and the results showed that there was a 60% decline in dementia.
It doesn’t even have to be strenuous exercise that will help. Just by walking a couple of miles a day will help to clear our minds and get us ready to absorb more information.
3. Stop relying on the internet.
With everything available at our fingertips, it’s far too easy for us to get lazy and just search online for answers.
When there is a specific subject out there that you either want to or need to research, go about it the traditional route. Seek out a book and talk to experts on the topic.
This will help to improve memory and the capacity for learning – and will also get you out of that lazy Google rut.
4. Learn a new language.
The benefits of learning a new language are endless, and it’s yet another way to increase brain power. Not only can it help you culturally and intelligently but it’s also been said to help keep the mind sharp.
Lund University found that by learning a language after childhood, the brain will be able to grow in areas that are most commonly associated with memory and action.
5. Eat the right foods.
By having a healthy and balanced diet, you’ll be boosting your health in all aspects of yourself.
More specifically, nuts and olives have been shown to be the ultimate in brain boosting foods. They are both rich in vitamin E, which is vital in helping to stay healthy and to prevent a variety of diseases.
6. Practice yoga.
Yoga has been shown to have a number of different benefits, from the likes of helping to find our inner calm to also being able to reduce stress and anxiety.
There are also a number of studies out there that show that yoga can help improve our memory and to help us find focus in our lives.
7. Get a good nights’ sleep.
With the abundance of gadgets and gizmos available, it’s hard to actually ‘switch off’ at the end of the day and this can cause a number of hazards and distractions to creep into our daily routine.
Sleep allows our brain cells to eliminate specific toxins that allow our brains to inhibit their operating power, so the right amount of uninterrupted sleep is required for anyone looking to increase brain power.
8. Avoid multi-tasking.
Whilst being able to multi-task may be a good trait to have in some aspects of life, a study by Stanford University showed that it can also lead to clutter and have a negative effect on the brain.
By dividing your attention, you are essentially stopping your brain from focusing properly so by actually concentrating on fewer things at the same time, you’ll be surprised at how much more you are able to accomplish.
What other ways to increase brain power have you heard of?
About The Author
This is a guest post by Adam Maidment from NeoMam Studios – a visual information agency. Outside of work, he’s a writer and blogger, gamer and movie fan and will usually be found live-tweeting one movie or another on Twitter.