Many people think that intelligence is genetic-determined when we were born and that there is nothing we can do that could improve it in any way. We disagreed. Here are the best ways which will help you boost your brain power.
Working out
Exactly – it is not just for our body, but for our brain as well.
1. Strength training
Don’t just bulk your muscles, bulk your brain as well. You probably don’t know that lifting weights increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor – the factor responsible for the growth of your nerve cells.
Combine your strength training with listening to some cool jams, since that also improves your cognitive functions, and not just make you feel super powerful.
2. Dancing
Dancing is great for your coordination and planning, which are great mental challenges. Also, it protects you against cognitive decline as well. In other words, it is time to remember the Macarena choreography.
3. Golf
Wake your inner Tiger Woods up and hit the golf course, because not only you will give your arms an awesome training, but you will improve your sensor monitor abilities.
4. Yoga
It is relaxing, great for your body and your brain. It improves concentration, enhances your cognitive performance and prevents cognitive decline.
Incorporate some new routines to your daily life
If the waiter in your local restaurant knows what your usual meal includes, it is time to switch it up. Start up with small things such as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, to really keep your brain moving.
5. The amount of sleep matters
It is crucial to have at least 7 hours of sleep per night if you want to maintain your cognitive skills (memory, concentration and learning). Also, it is not like you need to go out every single weekend, right? Give yourself a break and sleep through one Saturday – you will be much sharper throughout the following week.
6. Power napping
No one knows exactly how long should the nap last in order to become a power nap. Some say it’s 90 minutes, while others say 26. All in all, your nap will improve your memory if it involves dreaming.
7. Let yourself wander sometimes
Our mind can often go off on some really strange directions. Next time it happens, don’t hold your brain back. There are lots of cognitive benefits you can get out of that such as increased creativity and ability to problem solving.
8. Doodle
Wake your inner 3rd grader and stimulate your brain by doodling whenever you want.
9. Mow the lawn
Did you know that this activity releases a chemical which boosts your memory? Crazy right? Unfortunately, the enchanting smell of the trash you are taking out doesn’t do the same.
Relationships
Believe it or not, people you are surrounding yourself with can also help you with your cognitive abilities. Here’s how.
10. Have sex
Since sex raises our levels of serotonin (which boosts our creativity and logical decision making), and oxytocin as well (which is related to our problem solving abilities), it is time to get a little bit more active between the sheets.
11. Laugh
Laughter encourages you to think more creatively. In other words: Laugh all the time – ha ha ha!
12. Cherish your positive relationships
Positive relationships you have with your family members and friends can protect you against memory loss when you become older. Never miss out on spending time with your friends and family.
Relaxation
YES! Even this can help your cognitive skills.
13. Meditate
Sometimes a person needs to throw out all of her worries and just relax a little bit. You can do this by meditation, which is great for your memory, decision making and attention span.
14. Play video games
The truth is finally out there: video games are good for you! They are probably the best, and certainly the most fun way to improve your vision, multitasking abilities and spatial cognition.
15. Watch TV
Another glorious truth: TV is also good for you. It is better for our brain than crossword puzzles and classical music, but only in small amounts, not permanent butt print amounts.
16. Lay down
Studies showed that our memory improves when the level of our head is lower than the level of our body. Lay down and relax.
Food & Drink
17. Smart pill
It is not exactly food, but if you are lacking a concentration, you should start taking a smart pill every now and then.
18. Spices
There are lots of spices that can help you with your memory. For example, cinnamon can ward of Alzheimer’s, while sage, cumin and cliantro are really powerful memory boosters.
19. Green vegetables
Spinach and other green veggies are packed with countless vitamins and minerals that can help you fight dementia, while the antioxidants in them can protect your brain from stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
20. Nuts
Zinc in pumpkin seeds improves your memory while vitamin E in nuts enhances your cognitive skills.
21. Coffee
Caffeine in coffee improves your attention and your short-term memory.
22. Chocolate
Flavonols in dark chocolate (the same ones you can find in green tea, blueberries and red wine) can short-term boost your cognitive skills, which makes chocolate your best study partner.
That would be it. Besides playing instruments, learning a language and thinking positive, there are many ways to boost your cognitive skills. Believe in your brain!
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