8 Everyday Things You Can Do That Make You Smarter – Brain Muscle

baby readingWho says you need college to increase your brain power?
Not I.
Rose has put together some very simple everyday things you can start doing that have been shown to:

  • Improve your memory
  • Enhance prolonged focus
  • Increase problem solving capabilities
  • Lower stress levels
  • and an overall improvement to your general health

No excuses now!
These are so simple that I KNOW you can pick at least 3 and make it a point to make them a habit.
 
 

Eight ways to boost brain power

BYAlyssa Rose

1. Learn another language

Recent studies reveal people who are fluent in more than one language may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms for as long as five years. It found educational pursuits expanded thinking and memory capacity, and encouraged healthy brain cells and pathways to remain intact for longer.

2. Have a positive self-image

The stereotype of the forgetful senior citizen can actually contribute to memory loss. Studies show mature aged learners do worse on memory tests when exposed to negative beliefs on aging and memory, but do much better when they are feeling more positive and confident about memory retention.

3. Read a book

Switch off the TV and cuddle up with a good book. Reading is exercise for the brain. As it takes mind power to convert the words on the page into mental pictures, reading gets brain cells charging.

4. Exercise your heart and mind

Whether you follow the advice of your mind or heart, the two are closely linked to cognitive health. Scientists at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland have found that moderate exercise can stimulate the production of brain stem cells, which means keeping a healthy heart will keep your mind sharp too.

5. Love your coffee and newspaper time

Lazy Sunday mornings reading the paper and drinking coffee may be doing your brain the world of good. Not only has reading shown to expand the brain’s grey matter, a Swedish study found coffee consumption can increase cognitive capacity and help ward off Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists found coffee drinkers who consumed two to four cups a day reduced their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life, the Science Daily reported.

6. Eat colourful fruit and veg

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants not only helps protect and nourish brain cells but also prevents cholesterol from damaging the lining of your arteries and slowing blood flow to the brain. Eat a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables like blueberries, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes.

7. Keep your stress levels in check

If you have a lot weighing on your mind you may be wreaking havoc on your neurotransmitters. Stress prompts your brain to release certain hormones that can damage the brain if exposed to them over time. Meditation not only relieves stress but can counteract memory loss by boosting the antioxidant hormone melatonin by up to 300 per cent.

8. Say no to artificial sweeteners

We know sugar has a sour side but artificial sweeteners like Aspartame may be even worse for our brain. Independent studies reveal that participants who regularly drink diet soft drinks are more likely to report lapses in long-term memory. Although industry and non-industry studies are conflicting, it still may be smarter to make the switch to water.
 
Pretty simple right?
And here you thought it was going to be hard work.
Just try to eat more natural.
Go original over diet.
Go butter over margarine
Grab 50 Shades Of Grey over watching CSI Miami tonight.
Easy peasy!
Enjoy your improved life  😉

Comments

  1. says

    This is so right on.
    I recently implemented the last on by going on the 21 day sugar free diet and its been over 100+ days. Its had such a huge impact on me concentrating and getting more done in my business each day.
    Great Post!

      • says

        More than 6 Months bud and feel like a complete champ. My sons crossfit Coach talked me into trying it and was the best thing I did. Always Energized and feel awesome.
        Didn’t realize how much sugar was in Pasta, Bread, Rice….I’ve cut that all out (maybe 1-3 times a month if out to eat). I was never a “sweets” person but loved Pasta. The first 2 weeks were very hard, headaches (withdrawal I’m sure) and feeling different. I’m back to my High School Wrestling Weight (20 years ago), doing CrossFit and its really helped my business.
        Google 21 Day Sugar Free Diet | She’s pretty good: http://balancedbites.com/21dsd
        If you want to Skype about it Happy to but really recommend it. I didn’t need to loose weight but needed more to control my ups/downs as an Entrepreneur.

  2. Kader Shahari says

    Informative blog post here James. Anyway, I love drinking coffee, only now I know it can boost my health from disease.

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