Each of us has been gifted with a smart and amazing brain but most of us do not utilize it to its full potential. Since we all know that what we do not use is likely to wither and waste away, it is very important to do stuff that can make the brain smarter and faster. Making your brain smarter and faster doesn’t always mean that you have to keep studying or become a reclusive bookworm. There are many simple tips and tricks that can make your brain faster, sharper and smarter and they usually involve lifestyle and dietary changes alongside some behavioral traits that can flex the grey matter. So here are the easy ways to make your brain faster and smarter.
1. Work your memory
Memory is the most important part of a smarter and faster brain. For students, whatever you read during the day, make sure you read it immediately at night before sleep. This is because; the brain consolidates all of this new information during rest. This allows the brain store the things you read before sleeping in its limbic area. A memory can also be developed through sights, sounds, touch and smells. Our sense organs are connected intricately to the brain’s limbic area. So any particular sound (songs) or smells (aromas of cooking, fragrance of perfumes or essential oils etc) can transform you to a different time and place. Many students actually learn faster while diffusing certain aroma-therapeutic oils (lemon balm, sage, rosemary etc) while learning. This helps in concentration and associating whatever it is they read so that they can recall it again during exam time.
Read my article on easy ways to boost memory.
2. Make associations
Your brain helps you memorize and recall things by using 3 concepts – associations, imagination and location. So, if you wish to remember the 5 Great Lakes, you can use the acronym HOMES to remember Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.
3. Make goals
Make achievable goals; they need not be huge ones. The important thing is to try and do a bit every day. Just keep at it and your job everyday is to ensure not breaking the habit.
4. Eat foods that boost brain power
The best foods for the brain are: omega 3 fish oil, proteins, B complex, Curcumin, Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Take these supplements under the guidance of your doctor. Avoid coffee and tea. Choose foods with Low GI such as cereals, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, legumes etc.
5. Think positive and stay happy
People who think positive are naturally more creative and their brain is also more receptive to ideas making it sharper and smarter.
6. Meditation
People who meditate are likelier to have a sharper, smarter brain according to this study. Practice 15 minutes of mindfulness every day. There are different ways to do so: breathe in and out, chant a mantra, or stare at a candle in a quiet room. Many CDs and audio tapes of guided meditation are also available. Listening to these daily can improve focus and concentration, making your brain sharper.
7. Play brain games
Top brain games include chess, crossword puzzles, word searches, math puzzles etc. Play these daily with your kids/friends.
8. Do mental math
Instead of whipping out the calculator, do a little mental math while you are at the grocery store. Try and total up the amount for items purchased. These simple tips can keep your brain sharper.
9. Read every day
Reading can do amazing things for your mind and brain. According to a study at the Carnegie Mellon University, brain actually gets rewired when you read because you tend to live the experience of whatever it is you are reading. If you can read a bit every day in a foreign language, it is even better.
10. Listen to music
Music might not make your brain smarter and sharper, but it can certainly give it a spatial boost. If you can learn to play an instrument, or read music and/or sing, it can actually make your brain smarter.
11. Laugh
Man can be distinguished from other animals because of his ability to laugh. So laugh everyday for boosting your brain power.
12. Sleep well
A tired brain cannot process information and needs at least 8 hours of sleep.
13. Too much of technology hurts your brain power
According to s Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, a neuroscientist, too much of technology is making our brain attention deficit. So slow down, keep your ‘smart’ devices switched off from time to time and certainly do not check your email before bed.
14. Slow down
The fast paced lives we lead and make our kids lead is not good for the brain. Slow down, dig deeper and take a break from time to time.
15. Avoid multi-tasking
Do one task at a time-always. Whatever you do, do it 100%.
16. Stretch and challenge your brain
Teach your mind to construct deeper level, abstract ideas. For example, when you just attend a meet, try and construct a newspaper-headline describing it.
17. Live your passion
When you do something you enjoy, the brain’s juices motivate it into becoming stronger and smarter. So invest time for your hobbies.
Follow these 17 easy ways to boost your brain power and make it smarter.
