Jog a Brain
Ever gotten up to do something, only to forget what it was once you’ve stood up? In our hectic lives, multi-tasking rules, and it’s easy to become forgetful. Just like we need to exercise our bodies to stay fit, healthy and young, our brain needs some daily jogging too. Here are some tips to keep your brain in shape.
Instructions
1. Exercise your five senses. Listen to music, read a lot, get outside and breathe some fresh air, smell and touch a flower, and surprise your taste buds with different foods. Challenging your senses also includes learning new skills and interacting with other people.
2. Think smart. We easily remember things we’re attached to emotionally and tend to forget those things that carry no emotional attachment or meaning. So connect important numbers, such as birthdays, anniversaries and even your credit card PIN, with a story or picture in which you are the main character. That way you charge numbers with emotion and your brain will be less likely to forget them.
3. Play smart. A number of recent studies have shown that board games, crossword puzzles and even complex computer games not only promote intelligence, quick reflexes and creativity, but also boost your brain’s ability to concentrate.
4. Exercise smart. Exercise is still one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp, because working out sends oxygen to your brain. Any aerobic activity––running, swimming, biking––performed 20 to 40 minutes a day, improves your brain’s capacity, because increased circulation promotes the growth of brain cells. According to a recent study at UCLA’s Neurotrophic Laboratory, exercising also increases the production of neurotrophins, compounds that enable nerve cells to communicate with each other more effectively. In short, your brain will process information quicker and learn faster. For an extra brain boost, choose exercises that challenge your balance and require coordination of various movements.
5. Eat smart. How well you eat affects how well you think. To feed your brain properly, consume a heart-healthy diet, including whole grains, unsaturated fats (containing omega-3 fatty acids) and don’t forget to load up on antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants not only help strengthen your immune system, but a recent study at UC Irvine also found that a diet high in antioxidants greatly improves your cognitive skills.
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