Do you ever wish that you were a bit more intelligent, or that you could think a bit quicker? You’ll be surprised to know that there are actually ways that you can improve the function of your brain, and you’ll be delighted to know that these techniques are quite easy. By embracing the five strategies listed below, you can improve your mental health and start enjoying more brainpower.
Get More Sleep
It’s no secret that sleep is important. Not only is it essential for physical restoration, but it’s also vital for your mental health. When you sleep, your brain actually resets itself, which allows you to examine things from a different point of view; something that is essential for creativity. After sleeping, you are able to make more powerful connections between ideas that are distantly related. Sleep also improves memories and allows you to practice, so to speak, and enhance the performance of more challenging skills. In other words, when you get more sleep, you not only feel better, but you actually think better. So, if you want to improve your thinking power, you should make an effort to get more sleep.
Regular Exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body, but most people don’t realize that exercise is also good for the brain. When you exercise, nerve cells in the brain actually multiply and strengthen their connections, thus shielding them from being damaged. Nerve cells free proteins called neurotrophic factors that activate various other chemicals that encourage neural health and improve cognitive functioning. Exercise also boosts blood flow to the brain and allows for the production of compounds that protect the nerves of the brain, thereby allowing you to think more clearly and improving your ability to retain more knowledge. If you want to improve your brain function, make exercise a part of your regular routine.
Take Supplements
Certain supplements may aid in improving brain functionality. One supplement that has recently been getting more popular is pterostilbene. Found in blueberries, grape leaves and almonds, it is noted as being a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant has been found to potentially improve cognition, which is why many people often try pterostilbene when they want to enhance the function of their brain.
Pterostilbene may enhance neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, the portion of the brain that holds onto memories, which helps to increase your ability to retain information and essentially makes you smarter. This antioxidant also reduces the rate of brain cell death. Another potential benefit of pterostilbene is that it may help to lower anxiety, but more research into this is needed.
Listen to More Music
It has long been suggested that listening to music can increase intelligence. In fact, a theory known as the “Mozart Effect” supports this idea. According to this theory, listening to music will make you more intelligent. Studies have found that listening to music improves verbal fluency and enhances cognitive functioning. It’s also been found that music boosts mental focus and mental clarity. If you are looking to expand the thinking power of your brain, try listening to more music.
Play Mind Games
The brain is a muscle, and just like any other muscle, it needs exercise to stay in good shape. Playing games that challenge the mind is a great way to exercise the brain and improve intelligence. Simple games, such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches and scrabble are not only entertaining, but they can improve the function of your brain.
If improving your intelligence is high on your list of priorities, try adding these five simple techniques to your regular routine.
