Enhancing Brain Performance
Enhancing Brain Performance
The human brain is the mightiest and perhaps the most complex creation of nature. Our brain continuously adapts and rewires itself in response to new stimuli and learning experiences. Brain cells or neurons connect to each other via numerous branches, forming an intricate network of nerves and form the structural basis of our memory and cognitive ability.
Each learning experience creates a new neuron to neuron synapses in our brain. Each one of us has thousands of such neuron pathways. Our brain continuously processes tiny bits of information that come through our day-to-day activities, curious discoveries, and daunting challenges.
In order to tap the immense potential of our brain we must learn to enhance our brain performance. One of the most effective ways of enhancing brain performance is by challenging the brain. For instance, use your less used hand to do your daily chores like eating with a spoon, typing, brushing your teeth, etc to develop the less dominant side of your brain. Learning a new complex activity that also requires mental focus such as dancing, tai chi, chess, yoga, sculpture, or painting helps in formation of new neural pathways and hence significantly enhances brain performance.
Another way of improving cognitive ability is by combining one or more senses in your everyday tasks, like washing your hands with your eyes closed, cooking while listening to music, smelling flower while reading etc.
Physical exercise is another way of boosting brain performance. Numerous scientific researches have linked brain health to walking or exercising. Physical exercise increases blood circulation to all the organs including brain. Increased blood flow means increased glucose supply and effective oxygenation of brain cells, improving their function as well as cell renewal process. Studies show that cerebral blood vessels actually grow in response to exercise, which not only enhances cellular activity but also helps stave off diseases like Alzheimer and memory decline related with age.
Just like physical exercise makes the muscle grow, brain exercises actually help in growth of brain’s cognitive skills. Brain puzzles, word games like making new words from one complex word, crossword puzzles etc help in activating the underused neural connections and thus improve brain performance. Anything that provokes analytical thinking, such as reading classic novels, learning a new language, studying a new subject, anything that flexes your brain muscle is bound to enhance brain performance significantly.
Another prerequisite for better brain performance is having a sharp focus. If you do any task with greater focus and full attention, you are more likely to remember it better. You can achieve a better focus only when your mind is calm and relaxed. Deep breathing exercises, Yoga and meditation are effective ways of gaining sharp focus. These too enhance brain performance by increasing oxygenation of brain cells. They also bring mental calmness and cheerfulness.
Staying positive and happy improves mental sharpness by releasing endorphins which are good for long term brain health. So, don’t waste brain resources on negative thoughts that drain energy uselessly.
Finally, eat healthy foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids also known as “brain food” such as wild fish and nuts for optimum brain performance.
Following these methods will help boost your brain power but for long lasting results you must inculcate them in your daily life.
