To get ahead in this world, you have to bequick-witted and sharp. Your brain can only handle so much, though. Or can it be trained to absorb more?
Scientists say that you can train your brain to be smarter, just like you can train a muscle to be stronger. When you push your brain to do something new, it causes the synapses to fire on all cylinders from one neuron to the next.
This constant exercise of the brain is a training regimen that will result in a stronger,healthier mind.
Here are seven ways that you can train your brain to be smarter:
1. Hang Out with the Right Crowd
It’s a well-known fact that the people you associate with can have a tremendous impact on you. If you choose your crowd carefully and deliberately, you can improve yourself.
It’s important to choose peers who you want to be more like. Of course, these people will have to be team players in order to share their knowledge and experience with you.
It’s hard to believe that just surrounding yourself with intelligent people will make you smarter, but it works. Just think about the quality of the conversations you’ll have around intelligent people.
It’s important to remember that people from different backgrounds will help you see things from a different perspective. Intelligent people come from all walks of life. Don’t expect them to fit into the stereotypical smarty-pants persona.
There are many smart people that don’t have degrees from Ivy League schools. Judge a person’s intelligence by their achievements, not their background.
2. Learn a New Skill
To get your brain synapses firing hot, it needs to be challenged. Learning something new forces your brain to exercise and expand.
One great way to keep your brain strong is to learn a new language. In fact, research shows that learning a new language can actually help to prevent Alzheimer’s as you age.
It used to be harder to learn a second language. But nowadays, there are free apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Mango that make it easy.
Music is like its own language, too. That’s why learning a new musical instrument can also improve your brainpower.
It doesn’t matter which instrument you choose, either. From the harmonica to the harp, learning how to play music will make you smarter.
Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” So, why not have some fun while you are training your brain to be smarter?
There are so many different art mediums. Whether you’re into writing, painting, or sculpting, find a new creative outlet to pursue!
3. Reduce Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on your brain. Like illnesses make your body weak, stress can make your mind weak. That’s why we tend to act irrationally when we are stressed out.
To protect your brain from stress-related damage, you should practice stress-relieving techniques.
One of the best techniques is meditation.This can include physical meditation like yoga or a more passive approach, such as guided meditation.
It is also imperative to get enough sleep. This is when your brain does its real damage control. Without enough sleep, your mind cannot function at the optimal level.
4. Feed It Healthy Fuel
Your brain needs the right nutrients to help it function at its best. There are certain foods that deliver the vitamins and minerals your brain needs.
These foods include fatty fish like salmon, herring, and sardines. You also need complex carbs for a steady source of energy on which your brain can feed.
When you take multivitamins every day, you ensure that you aren’t lacking in any precious nutrients.
When all else fails, you might try nootropics. These brain-boosting supplements contain natural herbs and amino acids that deliver an immediate surge of energy to the brain.
5. Exercise Your Body
Science has proven that physical exercise is good for the brain. It increases the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that stores memories.
So, people who exercise regularly have better recollection than those who don’t exercise.
These facts show that physical exercise doesn’t just help you look good, but also helps you stay smart!
6. Read Everything and Anything
Reading isn’t about just learning new information, although it certainly provides that.
When you read a lot, you expand your vocabulary and see proper grammar in action. This won’t just show in your own writing abilities, but also in your speech.
Reading also engages the imagination, which trains your brain to be more creative and think outside of the box.
7. Brain Games
Brain games are like mini boot camps for your neurons. They get a workout jumping over obstacles and through hoops to solve problems.
Word searches, Sudoku, and other puzzles are great ways to keep your mind engaged.
You can download an app called Lumosity, which is full of brain games designed to improve your cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
The world is designed for convenience, which makes it easy for our brains to turn to mush.
Don’t fall into that trap. A healthy brain is a crucialcomponent of a healthy body. By practicing the tips above, you’ll ensure that your brain stays strong and healthy well into old age.
Make a habit of exercising your brain as you do your body. It’ll make your brain smarter and help you achieve your goals!
Author Bio:
Karen Lein is the General Manager of Copper Beech Townhomes and Grove San Marcos. She is a Fresno State alumna and enjoys traveling and watching football. #GoDogs!
