Do you know someone that seems to readily remember details, learn new things easily, and solve problems with little effort?
Must be nice, right? Well, hey, it’s possible that you can increase your ability to perform the same functions.
You’ve probably heard the saying: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But perhaps that isn’t true.
The human brain is an advanced machine, capable of logic, reasoning, emotion, and memory. Scientists have recently discovered that it is also able to rewire itself, adapt, change, and even grow new cells.
To harness your brain’s full potential, here’s a few things to consider:
1. Exercise
This one is a given. We all know it’s important to exercise, but when you exercise, your brain exercises, too. Studies have shown that exercise can improve your brain functioning, particularly planning, organizing, and memory.
2. Eat lots of brain foods
Your brain is mostly fat and it requires omega-3 fatty acids to function properly. Omega-3 rich foods include fish, nuts, and seeds. Grab a bag of almonds or walnuts, and try to add fish to your diet whenever you can.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are also superfoods for the brain. They contain high levels of antioxidants which counteract the damaging and aging of our cells.
3. Imagine positive outcomes
Instead of stressing over a big presentation or project, think of positive situations and results. Focus your attention on preparing for that great outcome versus how it could go terribly wrong. Your brain responds better to positive thought.
4. Be creative
Get out of your usual routine and try something new, even as simple as taking a new route to school. Move your mouse pad to the opposite side or try dialing a phone number with your other hand. These seemingly small tasks force the brain to be ready for new and unexpected activities.
5. Play video games
Video games require your brain to be actively engaged using creativity, memory, reasoning, and physical coordination. Researchers found that doctors who play video games make fewer errors than their non-playing counterparts.
6. Listen to music
Music has the ability to trigger powerful connections in the brain, helping you to recall information, people, or a place. Use this to your advantage and listen to music while you study for an exam.
7. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine, and that is true for the brain in addition to the body. Laughing involves multiple regions of the brain and allows people to think more broadly.
October 6, 2011 at 8:33 pm
I’ve always wanted to study with music but I’ve heard that it’s actually detrimental. Is there any solid evidence of it being helpful or harmful? Thanks!
October 7, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Dear Music Guy,
To anyone that reads this. If you have a job in a nosiy place like a factory working as an engineer and can’t concentrate on your work. Then, the person doing that job has to learn to ignore the noise and continue his job. A man did this and his life got easier. The people that earned the jobs after this man were not able to do their work as engineers. They had to stay longer late at night in order to finish. Listening to music is a helpful way to learn to the work in a noisy enviroment.
October 11, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Thanks for the additional information.
October 7, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Correction. Instead of “to learn to the work” its “to learn to do the work.” I apoloize for that.
October 7, 2011 at 3:35 pm
There is support for both sides, but my research led to many more studies that conclude the music is helpful. Here are some links for you to check out for further information:
– Music moves brain to pay attention
– Music-Memory connection found in brain
– Music for your brain health
Classical music is often recommended since it typically lacks lyrics and other distracting elements. Load a station for Bach or Vivaldi on Pandora and give it a try!
October 7, 2011 at 6:03 am
Does it matter what kind of music it is?
October 7, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Different sources will state different things. From what I’ve read, classical music is most commonly referenced. The reason behind this is that music with lyrics can be distracting, so classical music is easier to have in the background and pay attention to what you’re studying.