5 Ways to Train Your Brain

With new technologies and inventions ready to make your life easier, it almost seems like we’re slowly starting to forget how to solve problems for ourselves. Not only machines are doing the physical work for you, but they’re also starting to rationalize on their own. But if you’re one of those people who not only see no benefit in this, but they’d also like to improve their mental skills in order to be on top of any daily situation, this post is for you. Training your brain consists -in general aspects- in ways to strengthen your cognitive skills for many different purposes. Believe it or not, there are many ways in which you can “train” your brain and keep up with your fast-paced surroundings.

1.Read more

The first point in our list shouldn’t really be a surprise to you or anyone. There are thousands of studies that prove just how beneficial reading can be to people of all ages. It doesn’t matter if you like to read classic novels, magazine essays or even the daily news; any set of words well written and with enriching content can have powerful effects for your brain. Reading texts on a daily basis (at least 20 minutes a day) will significantly improve your vocabulary, your memory skills and makes you more communicative and analytical. Reading is the absolute best nutrient for your brain!

2.Play poker

So let’s say reading’s not your piece of cake, there’s plenty of other activities which can be enjoyable and train your brain at the same time. For example, did you know playing poker can significantly improve your cognitive skills? In fact, learning how to draw cards and master this game can strengthen skills such as risk analysis, count, remember past outcomes to anticipate moves and even take your emotional intelligence on another level. Even though they say poker is a game of chance, it’s no secret that people who practice it often can train their brain to be smarter in other areas such as entrepreneurs. So create your account in BeastsOfPoker and start practicing to be a better business person.

3.Practice your memory skills

Memory is probably one of the most important cognitive skills, and it’s one of the first ones to fail when we start aging. Practicing your memory might sound like something hard to do, but once you realize the little things that help memory be stronger you’ll have no trouble making them a habit. When you meet someone new repeat their full name: “Nice to meet you, Annie Stewart”, when you need to buy groceries don’t write down your list and try to memorize it instead. Memory is an activity that helps light up all levels of brain operation (receiving information, remembering, processing and delivering), so it can be your brain’s lifeboat.

4.Take a “brain training” program

Just like you would enroll in a course to strengthen your muscles, there are plenty of “brain training” programs you can find online or even in-person modality. These programs consist of many different activities designed to put your brain to test in areas such as information retention, repetition, memory, and problem-solving. Just remember, like any other exercise, things might be hard for you at first, but with a little practice your brain will start to gain “flexibility” and you’ll be able to work all sorts of problems faster and faster.

5.Learn a new skill

As opposed to some parts of the body where physical wear happens, your brain actually improves with use. Think of it as a computer that needs to be configured, where you should input more and more information so it’s more prepared to perform its daily functions. So, learning a new skill can help you develop something in your brain you might’ve not even known existed. It doesn’t matter if it’s a musical instrument, a different language, a sport or something so simple as learning how to bake cakes; the process of learning activates different parts of your brain and lets you translate fresh information into a lifelong skill.

Now that you know some of the most effective ways to train your brain, don’t let this information just sit around in your head! Start practicing and making little changes in your daily routine, but also don’t wait for your mind to work differently overnight. The key to brain training is persistence and practice, so don’t give up and soon enough you’ll find most of your activities can be performed more effortlessly and in less time. Enjoy the only kind of training that won’t leave you sore and tired!