Monday, 23 January 2012
8 Brain exercises to fit into your routine
Mental ability can dull over time if your brain isn't challenged, simple brain exercises can keep it at peakperformance as well as strengthening new bonds created throughout the course of your life.
Below are 8 ways to keep up mental fitness, which can be incorporated into a busy lifestyle.
Sleep well
Unsuprisingly if your brain is tired it's not going to perform at peak condition. The quality of sleep is more important than the quantity so a good nights sleep is better for your brain than a restless night and a lie-in.
Exercise
Keeping active is great for your brain's fitness. Not all of us are going to be running marathons for extra IQ points. We just need to get the blood pumping to get your brain in gear. A walk in the morning for example
Sit up straight
Good posture, when we're used to it, not only has physical benefits, but will help you think clearer and perform better. Which is probably why your parents always said not to slouch!
Sleep well
Unsuprisingly if your brain is tired it's not going to perform at peak condition. The quality of sleep is more important than the quantity so a good nights sleep is better for your brain than a restless night and a lie-in.
Exercise
Keeping active is great for your brain's fitness. Not all of us are going to be running marathons for extra IQ points. We just need to get the blood pumping to get your brain in gear. A walk in the morning for example
Use your other senses
Try peforming some of your daily tasks with your eyes closed. Having to rely on your other senses for guidance does wonders. This might be best done when having breakfast or washing in the morning and not while driving to work.
Healthy diet; Healthy brain
The things we consume can have a big impact on mental performance, the worst culprits being drugs, alcohol and chemicals. But there are foods which can decrease brain ability that aren't obvious. Food high in cholestorol and fat can reduce blood flow to the brain, while products high in sugar can cause dips in mood and energy, which not only causes physical sluggishness, but your mental ability is also hindered.
Fish rich in omega-3 oils have shown to help brain activity, as well as most nuts and seeds de to their high Vitamin E content. Suppliments can help if vitamins and minerals are not gained from food. Caffiene has a short term positive effect on the brain, improving energy levels and memory, i suggest using it sparingly.
Go South-paw
We take for granted the ease at which our leading hand can complete tasks throughout the day. Mixing it up and using your opposite hand is a great way to exercise your brain. It goes without saying that sometimes using the opposite hand just isn't convienent (or safe!). Try reaching for small objects and opening doors.Sit up straight
Good posture, when we're used to it, not only has physical benefits, but will help you think clearer and perform better. Which is probably why your parents always said not to slouch!
Games
Your brain is stimulated when you're multi-tasking, games that require you to interact socially and stratergise are a great way to stay mentally fit. You don't neccesarly need to take a board game with you to work to get this effect. Word and card games can be as equally stimulating and can be played whenever you have a few moments spare.
Do something different
Your brain is like any other muscle in your body, without stimulation it will dull. Your brain craves new stimulation and harder tasks. This will strengthen bonds that your brain creates and leads to better mental performance. The same goes with brain exercises, if you start to find them easy to complete, move onto harder ones to task your brain.
Breathe deeply
Throughout the course of everyday life there are times when things build up and we get stressed, not only does this lead to a dip in mood, but will also make your mental performance suffer. Relaxing and taking a few deep breaths gets more oxygen to your brain and will help mental ability and have a calming effect on you.
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