If you train your brain, you not only get smarter, you stay that way into old age. Various ways exist to train the brain. Especially effective is the mixing of the listed possibilities of brain jogging. In this way, the brain always has variety and is presented with new tasks. In this article you will find twelve tips and exercises against forgetfulness, which keep the brain fit:
1. reading is worthwhile
The continuous sprinkling in front of the screen also makes the brain dull. Movies or shows often just fly by the viewer. It is better to create your own images in your head. This can be achieved, for example, by reading an exciting book. If you immerse yourself in a story, you fire your own imagination and get the thinking machine going.
2. encourage creativity
Not only intensive learning strengthens the head performance. Especially the right hemisphere of the brain can even be activated mainly through creative processes. So when painting, making music or doing handicrafts, the pleasant can be combined well with the useful. By the way: The more balanced both brain hemispheres are supported, the better they work together.
3. he who rests, rusts
This well-known saying also applies to your own brain. To challenge the gray matter, there are numerous options: Taking a computer course at the adult education center, reading a newspaper in a neglected foreign language, or regularly puzzling and puzzling … The list can be continued at will.
4. relaxation instead of stress
Stress is poison for the head, because the stress hormone cortisol has a negative effect on memory. If it cannot be avoided, you should at least try to actively counteract it. For some, listening to music for half an hour already has an effect, others go for a walk or prefer a relaxation method such as yoga or autogenic training. Either way, give your thinking center a break every now and then.
5. allow curiosity
Young children quench their thirst for knowledge by constantly asking questions and trying things out. At no time do people learn as intensively as in the first years of life. A little healthy curiosity, diverse interests or eagerness to explore keep the adult’s brain on its toes, too – because new impressions have to be processed.
6. meeting friends
Social contacts keep mentally fit. This does not even necessarily have to be highly intellectual topics. Exchanging news over coffee also keeps the gray matter busy. So make an appointment! Clubs and volunteer activities can help make new contacts and stay in touch.
7. build mnemonic bridges
Everyone has their own tools to help them remember things better. Can you still remember mnemonic devices like “he, she, it – an ‘s’ must go!” from English class? If so, maybe some rhymes you’ve made yourself will help you in everyday life. If you are more inclined to photographic memory, you can apply this to telephone numbers or codes.
8. break the routine
Driving a new route to work, wearing your watch on the other wrist or writing with the wrong hand on a trial basis – at first this seems anything but sensible. However, it challenges the brain and stimulates the formation of new connections between brain cells (synapses in medical terms).
9. healthy living
Regular exercise in the fresh air, a balanced diet and sufficient fluids not only steel the body, but also the mind. This is because the brain in particular only functions properly if it is adequately supplied. In addition to certain protein building blocks, important nutrients include fats and fat-like substances such as lecithin, as well as vitamins. The latter protect the cells from free radicals (A, C, E), for example, or support brain function (B vitamins). Incidentally, a short-term lack of concentration can be due to a slight hypoglycemia or acute lack of fluids.
10. get out of the daily routine
Similar hobbies for years, the same job and fixed circle of acquaintances – monotony makes sluggish. Even if the inhibition threshold is often high, innovations in everyday life provide more vitality in the control center. Go on a journey of discovery and try out something new.
11. take the pen in your hand
Writing can help focus thoughts. But many people are blocked by sitting in front of a blank page. You can get a good start in writing by keeping a diary.One’s own experiences are often best put into words.
12. never without humor
Laughter is liberating, fun and connects people. But did you also know that it can really challenge the brain? Even before the body bends with laughter, the brain has long since grasped the punch line. And this is not so easy. For example, a joke you hear first lands in the speech center, where it is analyzed. During transport from the left to the right hemisphere, the brain checks whether the emotion and the content correspond. If this is not the case, the brain finds this funny, the motor center is activated and stimulates laughter. It’s nice that “mental exercise” can be so easy and fun.
