New neurons are produced in the brain when we learn new things and exercise the brain on a regular basis, and this will slow the decline of brain function associated with age. Everyone wants to increase their brain power, and below are some easy to follow tips to increase your brain stamina.

Tip #1

It is easy to get stuck in a rut and do the same things over and over again. So, to keep the brain active, change up your routine by reading material that offers new concepts and vocabulary that you are not familiar with, as this encourages a new thought pattern, and your vocabulary will increase.

Wearing a wrist watch upside down, and using your less dominant hand to brush your teeth are also brain exercises that will stimulate brain stamina.

Removing a sense is a great way to increase your brain stamina. For instance, walk around your home with the lights off, and move about (carefully) by memory and the sense of touch only. Regarding touch, while waiting for an appointment, it is a great way to pass time and boost your brain ability to try to distinguish coins in your pocket, by touch only. Also, challenge your brain to read braille (reading by touch).

Tip #2

Physical exercise, for just thirty minutes each day, is not only good for your body, but it is also a great brain exercise that can improve mental stamina. Exercising outside offers extra benefits to the brain. Physical fitness provides much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which stimulates overall brain health. Circulation improves and blood pressure is lowered during exercise. In addition, physical exercise improves mood, and the brain functions better when not buried under negative and depressing thoughts.

As an added bonus, it is encouraged that you listen to music while exercising to boost brain power. In fact, a recently conducted study showed that cardiovascular patients, who listened to music while exercising, performed better on a test of verbal fluency than those patients who choose silence.

Tip #3

Engaging in board games, such as chess, scrabble, Chinese checkers and card games require analysis, strategic thinking and focus. These types of games are known to improve mental stamina, and stretch the capacity of the brain.

Tip #4

“You are what you eat” is a quote that we have heard for generations, and it is true, because proper nutrition is the key to increasing mental stamina. Protein and iron are the foundations of a healthy brain diet. Processed sugars should be avoided.

Blueberries, walnuts and almonds are food choices that will lower your blood sugar, and improve cognitive thought.

“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away” is another quote that has been proven to be true, because the apples (including the skin) offer a powerful neuroprotective. Basically, eating an apple a day will provide your brain cells with the protection to avoid (or at least delay) cognitive decline. If you don’t like apples, don’t worry, as citrus fruits, tea, parsley, onions and sage will also give your brain a boost.

The polyphenols in grape leaves aid the brains cells in effective communications, and this helps to improve overall memory, and boosts the ability to learn more quickly and effectively

Chicken and eggs are loaded with choline, which has been proven to improve cognitive performance. Fish, liver, legumes and milk are also good sources of choline.

Tip #5

Sing. Remember when you were a child and were taught new information using a song? Like the ABC’s. This type of brain exercise will make you a better problem solver, because it taps into the right side of your brain. You are able to remember things more effectively when something rhymes, as opposed to simply writing it down or speaking it, because the right side of the brain is more efficient at pattern recognition. If you need more proof that there is distinction between the two hemispheres of the brain, consider individuals who have a stutter, they stop stuttering when they begin to sing.

Tip #6

Laugh. Endorphins are released when you laugh, and in turn stress levels are reduced, and this is healthy for your brain. The ability to concentrate becomes easier when you don’t feel overwhelmed and stressed. Laughter and a good sense of humor open up the ability to grasp new ideas and view alternative perspectives. Albert Einstein, and other people with such high intelligence, had been known to have an excellent sense of humor, is this a coincidence?

Conclusion

Your brain is similar to computer hardware, and it requires software to make it work. It needs to be constantly fed information and updated, on a regular basis.
A strong, clear and focused mind requires a disciplined lifestyle, that is filled with good eating choices, laughter and positive thoughts, because overall positivity is an amazing tonic for the brain.

References:

https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/brain-health/how-to-keep-the-brain-healthy.html

http://community.healthywomen.org/profiles/blogs/7-tips-on-maintaining-healthy-brain

Author's Bio: 

Sara Biston, a freelance article writer by profession. She has written numerous articles, online journals on health disorders, workouts, exercise and diet plans. She is also passionate about beauty and fitness. She has 6 years of experience in health and medical writing for beauty and medical communication industries. She also holds an education in Psychology that complements her belief of inner health. Her mantra is "Change your life by changing your mind. Today is a new day!"