Unlock Your Brain’s Full Potential in 3 Simple Steps
The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, tirelessly managing every part of our bodies every second of our lives. It handles everything from the sensations we consciously experience, like seeing and tasting, to the automatic functions of our glands. Essentially, it’s responsible for keeping us alive and well.
Nowadays, many people are interested in enhancing different parts of their bodies, including their brains. It makes sense that if you want a fit body, having a sharp mind would be part of the plan too.
Most people aren’t aware that you can actually ‘exercise’ your brain. Many believe intelligence is unchangeable, leading to the question: Are there exercises to maintain or boost mental performance? Simply put, yes, there definitely are ways to exercise your brain and enhance its abilities. Just like any other part of the body, the brain operates on the principle of ‘use it or lose it.’ If you keep using and challenging it, it will stay strong and even grow more powerful.
### Brain Training
One effective brain exercise is the dual-task n-back, developed in 2003 by Susanne Jaeggi and her team. In this exercise, you have to remember sequences of stimuli (pictures and sounds). When a repeat of a sound or number appears, you identify it as a duplicate. This exercise tests and improves working memory, and with practice, your performance can significantly improve.
Other effective ways to keep your brain fit include exposing it to new stimuli and breaking out of routines. Learning a new language or playing a musical instrument are great examples. Keep challenging your brain, and it will remain healthy and strong.
### Take Nootropics
Nootropics are another way to boost brain function. These supplements, sometimes called cognitive enhancers or smart drugs, can improve mental functions like memory and focus. The term “nootropics” was coined in the 1960s by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea and comes from Greek words meaning ‘mind’ and ‘to bend or turn.’
Nootropics work by enhancing brain function on various levels. Some improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, while others alter neurotransmitters to enhance thought processes and memory. While they won’t turn anyone into a genius overnight, they can provide noticeable cognitive benefits.
### Good Old Fashioned Concentration
Concentration is the ability to focus on a task without getting distracted. In our busy world, it’s easy to get sidetracked by social media, texts, or emails. This constant need to avoid boredom is unproductive.
Sticking to one task at a time and seeing it through to completion can be far more rewarding than multitasking. While multitasking might be efficient for computers, the best way to build mental strength is to concentrate on one task at a time. This method, though challenging and requiring discipline, pays off in the long run.
Whenever you find your mind wandering, remember Thomas Edison’s words: “There is no substitute for hard work.”
