The human brain is capable of amazing things, but it’s also incredibly powerful and susceptible to deterioration over time if not properly cared for. You can increase your brain’s performance by training it, just like you would train your body at the gym. These tips and tricks will help you harness your mind’s potential in order to accomplish more every day, both at work and play!
Get a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is a must for keeping your brain sharp. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a decreased ability to focus and make decisions, as well as increased stress levels. You might also feel sluggish, irritable, or groggy.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven hours of sleep each night for adults aged 18-64 years old (eight hours if you are 65 years old or older). However, everyone is different so it may take some trial and error in order for you to figure out the perfect amount of sleep for your brain. Here are a few tips that may help you get the rest that you need:
-Set an alarm clock or schedule time on your phone so that you have reminders of when it is time to go to bed each night.
Eat healthy foods
A lot of people don’t think about the food that they put in their body as a way to train their brain. But what you eat can have a big impact on your memory, mood, energy levels, focus, concentration and more. Eating healthy foods is essential for keeping your brain sharp so here are some tips for eating healthy.
1) Drink plenty of water. 2) Eat whole foods that provide protein with every meal. 3) Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats in your diet (e.g., avocado). 4) Don’t skip breakfast! 5) Avoid fast food at all costs!
Exercise regularly
Exercise is a great way to keep your mind sharp. Research has shown that aerobic exercise like running or cycling can improve memory and cognitive function. In fact, one study found that those who exercised four hours a week had the same cognitive performance as someone who was 10 years younger. What’s more, research has also shown that individuals with Alzheimer’s who walk three times per week show improvement in mental function. The key, though, is consistency. You’ll want to make sure you’re exercising at least three times per week for 30 minutes each time to see the benefits of better brain function over the long term.
Take breaks
Taking breaks is a great way to train your brain. As we all know, the human mind can only take in so much information before it needs time away from the computer or other device. By setting a timer for every hour you’re working, you’ll give yourself a chance to get up, stretch your legs, and reset your brain. Try taking 10 minutes off every hour – do something completely unrelated like going for a walk outside or reading a book. This will help break up the monotony of staring at screens all day long!
Stimulate your mind
We live in a world that is constantly telling us what we should be thinking. It’s important to take a step back every now and then and figure out how you want your brain to work. In order for your brain to work at its best, there are some things you can do. The following are some ways that will help stimulate your mind so that it works at its maximum capacity.
1) Have a good breakfast – Breakfast provides the fuel that your body needs in order for it to function properly. Without breakfast, people report feeling sluggish throughout the day, rather than having an abundance of energy as they would have if they had eaten something healthy earlier in the morning.
Connect with others
Connecting with others is a great way to help you stay sharp. It’s easy to get caught up in your own little world and do things that you’re comfortable doing, but connecting with others can help you learn new skills and be challenged in ways that will make your brain work harder. Plus, when we connect with others, we’re reminded of how much we have to offer the world.
A few tips for connecting with others include
Some techniques
It’s never too early to start. Here are some suggestions that can help you keep your mind sharp all throughout your life.
1) Challenge your brain with a new language. 2) Recognize patterns in books, movies, music, or TV programs in order to recall information. 3) Figure out how things work by taking them apart and putting them back together again. 4) Play chess or another challenging strategy game with someone else, or play against an AI opponent on the computer. 5) Read a book out loud (or better yet, read an audiobook). 6) Learn how to do something new every day. 7) Take the time for creative pursuits such as drawing, painting, or sculpting.