Everyday Activities You Can Do to Really Improve Your Brain According to Science
Article At A Glance:
|
Just as we exercise in the gym to develop muscles, it has been scientifically proven that we can train our brains as well. This is undoubtedly very important because our brains make us original individuals. However, due to the importance of looks in the 21st century, the significance of the gym is overemphasized in relation to brain training. Instagram and other social networks dictate the way of life. Not to be misunderstood, cardio and strength training is crucial for a healthy mind and body.
So, without neglecting the importance of muscle strengthening, we'll point out the significance of brain development and training. Here are a few ways you can train your brain:
Learn a new language
The more languages you speak, the better your social life is. In this way, we gain new experiences and keep the brain active [1] Language learning opens new sights and brings us closer to new cultures. All this prevents our minds from getting lazy, which is extremely useful. Vocabulary growth naturally benefits the brain as it prepares it for further learning. Improving your vocabulary in any language has also proven to increase visual and auditory stimulation as well as some cognitive functions. [2]
Reading books
If you want to engage yourself in different worlds without travelling, books are the right choice. You'll quickly become one with the main character and experience all the joys and sorrows. Dive into the world of books, and you'll experience many destinies. Therefore, reading is a natural gift for the brain. Keeping it active in this way is the right life choice. A recent study [3] showed a relationship between cortical volume and this subset of reading skills in typically developing children. Through this study it is shown that children who read more perform better on tests of rapid naming, word reading and fluency, regardless of age.
Quality sleep
Quality sleep is another in a series of underrated activities. We live too fast; work a lot, and rest very little. In the absence of time, sleep is the first sacrifice. This has a terrible effect on the brain. This organ is under significant strain when tired. In the long run, this brings brain decay without us even noticing. The average person needs about 8 hours of sleep a day; however, most people ignore this. Get some sleep and save your brain. [4] Sleep is also important as our brains use this time to manage stress and store memories in our short and long term memories [5]. Interesting about sleep: Blind people also have dreams. However, their dreams are not visual. They experience different smells, sounds and touches strongly. This is another mystery of our brain.
Chess & strategic games
Playing chess helps the brain, and this is no surprise. This game activates the brain and helps it develop [6]. By planning moves in advance, we stimulate the work of our mind. Due to the enormous number of combinations on the chessboard, it's almost impossible to play two identical games. Combining and planning help your essential organ, making chess a great option for brain development and improvement.
Nutrition & Supplements
The food we eat primarily determines the quality of our health [7] . The brain is no exception. Therefore, your menu should include foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as those rich in antioxidants. Nuts, seeds, fish, and blueberries are ideal choices. You can also reward yourself with dark chocolate; it benefits the brain. Unsurprisingly nootropic drinks and nootropics generally can make a huge difference here.
Social Activities
Your social life is the foundation for the proper functioning of the brain. We are social beings, and our brains cannot develop properly in solitude [8]. Don't let your social life suffer because of work. Laughter and a positive attitude towards life are the basis for a calm and healthy mind. That's why you shouldn't miss socializing even when you are tired because loneliness leads to brain deterioration. Spending time with friends often includes board games, various debates, and sports, which are excellent for developing intelligence. All this leads to a reduction in stress, which is another significant factor in preserving the brain.
Brain Games
App stores and websites promote many Brain Training Games, such as Lumosity. However, games such as Sudoku and crosswords are also great games for improving brain function and development. Many different brain training games have found positive effects on attention, motor skills, and other cognitive domains [9]. Studies [10] have also shown that cognitive brain games such as puzzles have also decreased the chance of Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged high-risk patients. This is important as Alzheimer’s deteriorates the brain at rapid levels.
Wrapping it up
Challenge your brain. Be brave, and get out of your comfort zone. Gain new knowledge. In this way, the brain is kept awake and active. You must not allow it to get lazy because its function will gradually decrease. Brain training is key to improving it. Try a new language or put your brain to the test by trying a brain game. Remember to spend time with others and learn some new things from them. Training your brain and giving your brain a workout is just as important as going to the gym and training your body.
References:
[1] Second-Language Learning and Changes in the Brain[2] Studying a Second Language Boosts Cognitive Function
[3] Reading skill and structural brain development
[4] The Role of Sleep in Emotional Brain Function
[5] 13 Little Things You Can Do Every Day To Improve Your Brain Health
[6] Intelligence and chess
[7] Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function
[8] People Do Need People: Social Interaction Boosts Brain Health In Older Age
[9] Brain Training Games Enhance Cognitive Function in Healthy Subjects
[10] Participation in cognitively-stimulating activities is associated with brain structure and cognitive function in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
[11] Brain Exercises and Dementia
[12] Cognitively Stimulating Activities: Effects on Cognition across Four Studies with up to 21 Years of Longitudinal Data
[13] 13 Brain Exercises to Help Keep You Mentally Sharp
[14] Five everyday activities that improve your brain function