You can increase the power of your brain much the way you can improve your body by exercising it. The mind becomes stronger with specific activities. New neural pathways are created inside the brain when it is challenged. Increasing your brain power requires preparation and discipline. Learn the simple techniques that can improve your mental prowess.
Mind Games
Puzzles can strengthen your mind by making you focus and requiring you to use logic and reasoning. Sharpen your pencil and your mind by working crosswords, word seeks, Soduko and other popular games featured in your local newspaper. Grab a friend and break out board games featuring trivia questions or strategy planning, and you will increase your brain power.
Physical Activity
Take a walk to energize your brain. Physical activity charges up the brain by increasing circulation and oxygen levels. Your brain responds to these increases by allowing you to think more clearly and effectively. Find an aerobic activity such as dancing, jogging or swimming to give your brain a boost.
Nutrition
What you eat affects not only your body but your brain as well. Increase your consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to lower your blood sugar and strengthen your mind. Eat oily fish, nuts and seeds, as these foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Indulge in dark berries, greens and beans for their antioxidant properties.
Neurobics
Neurobics are specific exercises designed to increase the power of the brain. According to The Franklin Institute, these exercises change your routines in order to stimulate your brain and increase your mental acuity. Lawrence C. Katz, neurobiology professor at Duke University Medical Center, is credited with developing neurobics. Some of the specific exercises are dressing with your eyes closed, using your non-dominant hand for tasks such as brushing your teeth, and using two senses simultaneously, like smelling incense while drawing a sunset.
Travel
The AARP recommends travel as a way of keeping your brain active and growing. Travel involves new sights and experiences, which open your mind to new ideas and keep it stimulated. Simply changing your normal routine in itself helps to keep you mentally alert and receptive.
Reading
Reading is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your brain power. Reading is a focused activity that requires constant thought exercise. Pick up a book about something you are interested in but know little about to keep you engaged. Test your memory of what you have read by sharing your new knowledge with others, which is also a brain improvement activity.
Music
Music can be a mental stimulator or a calming mechanism depending on the type you choose. Rock out to get your mind energized, or switch to easy listening to calm your mind. Listen carefully to whatever type of music you are enjoying to get the most out of its mind-improving qualities. Try to pick out the different instruments involved and the patterns employed for an extra brain-challenging experience.
