The belief that humans only use 10% of their brainpower is a legend. The brain is a living, active organ that manages most of the body's functions. However, it is possible to develop its potential and use it better to stay healthy and always face new challenges.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Stimulate the Brain
Step 1. Be outdoors
Walking in nature for 90 minutes has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce potentially harmful mental patterns and stimulate creativity. Taking a walk around town can be a useful exercise, but it seems that being in touch with nature has a therapeutic effect.
Step 2. Train your brain scrupulously
Scientists seem to agree on the hypothesis that almost all games involving brain activity are undemanding in order to positively affect cognitive abilities and increase intelligence. However, the more difficult games can empower fluid reasoning. Try playing "dual n-back" on the Internet and remember that the harder you work, the more you can improve your cognitive skills.
Another way is to read thick texts. Find a book that contains about 20% of words you don't know. As soon as you get used to it, find an even more challenging author to read
Step 3. Stop relying on machines to do the most basic reasoning, so you can train your brain
Avoid using a calculator, satellite navigator, and spell checker to rework simpler texts. Mental calculations and orientation development are helpful in forming new pathways and harnessing problem-solving skills.
Step 4. Learn a task until you master it, and then try your hand at something else
As soon as you start to develop a certain skill, the brain becomes more efficient and stops looking for new ways to solve a problem. For example, once you become an ace in Sudoku, engage in crosswords.
Consider studying a foreign language or learning to play a musical instrument. The longer it takes you to master it, the more things you will be forced to memorize and incentivized to discover in the process
Step 5. Join a book club or sign up for a class
Social interactions allow you to get closer to other points of view, while a course helps you develop critical thinking. By connecting with people, you will give your brain the ability to train better than an online course.
Step 6. Try something new
Habits tend to limit brain function and, therefore, to acquire automatic behaviors when cooking, watching TV or driving a car. Change jobs, travel and try something new whenever you can and you will expand your network of contacts.
Step 7. Take a nap
A 20-minute nap can enhance cognitive abilities. Even if it lasts less, for example 6 minutes, it will help you improve brain function.
Part 2 of 2: Improving Health
Step 1. Do at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity a day
By promoting blood circulation, the brain will also become more active. By practicing at least 20 minutes of exercise, you have the opportunity to enhance memory, information processing and neuronal plasticity.
Neuroplasticity (or neuronal plasticity) is the brain's ability to create new relationships between cells
Step 2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet
About 20% of the nutrients you take fuel your brainpower, so a balanced diet, rich in proteins, fats and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, is essential to keep your brain healthy and efficient.
Step 3. Try to sleep through the night
You need 7-9 hours of sleep to maintain proper mental functioning. Sleep allows the body to safeguard hormone production and activity and the brain to create new synaptic relationships while you rest.
Step 4. Learn to relax
While stress can give you more strength and adrenaline, it limits the creative capacity of the brain when it takes over in everyday life. Try to relax as you see fit, such as by meditating, practicing yoga, listening to music, or taking a nap.
Step 5. Aim for 1000-2000 units of vitamin D per day
It has been found that when the level of this vitamin is low, cognitive functions and processes also slow down. If you don't get sun 15-30 minutes a week, ask your doctor about taking a supplement.
Step 6. Get omega-3 fatty acids
They help the brain process information efficiently. The best food sources of omega-3s are mackerel, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, herring, flax seeds, and tuna.
Step 7. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Not surprisingly, these substances act on the brain like a poison. Overuse and long-term use can inhibit brain function.
Step 8. Take care of yourself for life
The sooner you change your habits, the better your brain health will be. Try to make these changes as soon as possible.
