5 Ways To Increase Your Brain Power

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Increased brain power can have a number of different advantages, from boosting concentration to improving the ability to think critically. The good news is that there are plenty of steps that you can take in your everyday life to reach this goal. Here are five ways to increase your brain power.

SEE ALSO: 7 Ways To Master The Art Of Journaling For Success

Exercise

You’ve definitely heard about the many benefits of exercise before, and for good reason. Not only can exercising aid in weight loss, improve mood and reduce your risk of heart disease, but it can also improve your memory and even protect your brain against degeneration. You may think that you don’t have the time to fit exercise into your daily schedule. But instead of scrolling through your Twitter feed or catching up on the latest episode of your favorite show, try setting aside 30 minutes a day to exercise. If you’re finding it difficult to motivate yourself, recruit a family member or friend to join you. Not only can they make the experience more enjoyable, but they can also hold you accountable for sticking to your routine!

Eat a healthy diet

As you’re probably already aware, nutrition plays a key role in brain health. Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and fiber, and stay away from saturated fats, refined sugars and fried foods. Of course you can treat yourself every once in a while, but it’s best to eat unhealthy foods in moderation. It’s especially important to eat breakfast each morning. Many people neglect this important meal because they’re rushing to get to work on time, but taking just 10 minutes to eat a quick breakfast can do wonders for your brain health. Some of the benefits of eating breakfast include improved memory function, prevention of type two diabetes and a boost in energy levels. If you’re looking for inspiration, consider these quick, easy and healthy breakfast ideas:

• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt with fruit or granola
• Avocado toast
• Overnight oats
• Bananas and peanut butter

Soak up the sun

Have you ever wondered why you tend to feel more irritable and sluggish in the cold winter months? Well, it could be due to a lack of sun exposure. Research has shown that going outside to get some sun for just a few minutes can have many benefits for brain health, including a boost in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that’s responsible for regulating feelings of well-being, focus and calm. You only need to expose your arms, hands and face to the sun for about five to 15 minutes a day to get the recommended daily value of vitamin D. However, be sure to apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 if you plan on being outside for more than 15 minutes.

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Play brain games

It may sound surprising, but games like Tetris, Sudoku and KenKen have been shown to have many benefits for brain health. Brain imaging studies have shown that playing Tetris can increase gray matter in the brain and increase efficiency, while Sudoku and KenKen can stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and also improve memory and reasoning. The next time you’re tempted to go on your phone or turn on the TV, opt for a game instead!

Stay hydrated

Despite the fact that water is essential for all of your body’s processes, many people don’t drink nearly enough. Dehydration can wreak havoc on the brain, leading to cognitive problems, reduction in memory and a decrease in concentration. Although your water intake depends on your height, weight and exercise level, it’s generally recommended that you consume 64 ounces of water daily. If you find it difficult to reach this goal, consider supplementing with other hydrating drinks such as chamomile tea, smoothies or coconut water.

The idea of increasing your brain power can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you start with small steps. Following these five tips can help you improve your cognitive function on a daily basis.

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