We will be discussing the big cheese; it can alter your life in any direction you choose and the ability to devise an infinite number of possibilities. This grey matter(which weighs on average 3 pounds) is always on in varying degrees. If you want your brain to function at its optimum level, it's critical to nourish it properly. In this blog article, we'll look at seven key areas that have the potential to that may help you power up your mind and change the game in your favor.
By taking little steps that add up to a significant difference in your life, you’ll be able to achieve anything you want. An excellent way to look at this example is as a compound investment. Each day, you make a minor deposit that grows over time, and before you know it, your mind is in an entirely different place.
Let’s break it down; our brain is made up of two hemispheres, the left, and the right. The left hemisphere is responsible for logical thinking, while the right hemisphere is more creative and intuitive. It’s responsible for visualizing, dreaming, and developing new ideas. The two hemispheres need to be in balance to achieve optimal performance. Being out of balance can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
So, how do we nourish our brain and keep these two hemispheres in balance? Let’s look at some simple things we can do daily to make sure our mind is running at their best.
What does a healthy brain need?
Did you know that fasting and intermittent fasting are some of the most effective ways to boost brainpower? It’s true! No, I do not mean to starve yourself in the hope of gaining a mental breakthrough, but rather to give your body a break from digesting food. Doing this allows your body to focus its energy on other things, like healing and repair. Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. To give you an idea, an ideal time to start fasting would be after dinner and to fast for 16 hours. This means you would not eat anything from the time you finish your last meal until the time you have breakfast.
Another thing to consider is that our brain needs various nutrients to function correctly. Some critical nutrients for cognitive health include omega-fatty acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron. Did you know that coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy fats that can help improve cognitive function? Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to your morning coffee or salads is an easy way to get some healthy fats. Blueberries are also a great source of antioxidants and have improved memory. Adding a handful of blueberries to your breakfast or lunch is a simple way to get in some extra brain-boosting nutrition.
Nuts! Ah, my personal favorite. Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. There are so many to choose from, so which ones are worth your time? Almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts are all great options. They are high in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. Be sure to eat them raw or dry roasted as they lose a lot of their nutritional value when cooked.
Lions Mane. No, not the animal in the Savana of South Africa but rather a mushroom. What is it, you may be wondering? Lions Mane is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. It can be taken in supplement form or added to your next smoothy or cup of coffee.
What are the best brain foods?
Now that we know what our brain needs to function correctly, let’s look at some of the best foods for cognitive health.
Eggs are an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that helps with memory and focus. Choline also helps to protect the brain from age-related damage. Adding eggs to your breakfast or lunch is an easy way to get some extra brain-boosting nutrition.
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and trout are high in omega fatty acids, essential for cognitive health. These fatty acids help to protect the brain from inflammation and improve memory. Adding a few servings of fatty fish to your diet each week is a great way to boost your brainpower.
Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are loaded with folate and vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients have improved cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related damage. Adding a few servings of dark leafy greens to your diet daily is an easy way to get in some extra brain-boosting nutrition.
Broccoli is another excellent source of nutrients like folate and vitamins A, C, and K. Broccoli also contains a compound called sulforaphane which has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related damage. Adding a few servings of broccoli to your diet each week is an easy way to get in some extra brain-boosting nutrition.
Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and has improved memory and cognitive function. Be sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the most benefit. Adding a few pieces of dark chocolate to your diet each week is an easy way to get in some extra brain-boosting nutrition.
Which exercises are best for the brain?
Exercise is not only great for the body, but it’s also great for the brain. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. The best exercises for the brain are aerobic exercises like running, biking, or swimming. These exercises help increase blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function.
Yoga has improved cognitive function, mood, and stress levels. Yoga helps increase blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function.
Meditation has improved cognitive function, focus, anxiety, and depression. Meditation helps increase blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function.
Aerobic exercise, like running, helps to improve memory function by increasing the volume of the hippocampus.
Another excellent form of exercise for the brain is weightlifting. Weight training has enhanced cognitive function, memory, and attention. Weight lifting aids in improving blood flow to the brain, which can help with mental performance. On the lookout for additional at-home workouts, you’re in luck! Check out this article to get that cardio session in high gear.
What are some of the best brain sharpening exercises?
Many brain-sharpening exercises can help to improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. Did you know that you can improve your cognitive function by playing games? Playing games like chess, crosswords, and Sudoku can help to keep your mind sharp.
Another great way to sharpen your brain is by learning a new skill. Learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument are two great examples of activities that can help to improve cognitive function.
You can also improve your cognitive function by reading. Reading helps to improve memory and focus. So, make sure to add a few books to your reading list.
Sleep is another critical factor in cognitive function. Getting enough sleep each night helps to improve memory, focus, and attention. Make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to optimize your cognitive function.
What are some of the most popular brain boosters and supplements?
Did you ever watch the film Limitless starring Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro? In the movie (spoilers), Cooper’s character takes a pill called NZT-48, making him incredibly intelligent and allowing him to do almost anything he wants in record time. I can write a whole article on the various types and their effects on the human brain, but I’ll save that for another day.
While NZT-48 is fictional, there are real-life brain boosters that can help to improve cognitive function, probably not to the same degree as Bradley Cooper’s character in the film, but they can still help. Some of the most popular brain boosters and vitamins include omega-three fatty acids, vitamin B12, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bacopa Monnieri, to name a few.
Adding omega-three fatty acids to your diet is a great way to boost your brainpower. Omega-three fatty acids are found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You can also get omega-three fatty acids from flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and pre-bottled brands.
Another excellent brain booster is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 can be found in beef, lamb, cheese, and eggs. You can also find vitamin B12 in supplements.
Ginkgo Biloba is a popular supplement often taken to improve cognitive function. Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
As you can see, this is merely the tip of the iceberg regarding brain boosters and vitamins. I would recommend researching what works best for you and speaking to your health care professional or naturopath to get specific recommendations.
What are some best ways to improve brain health?
There are many things that you can do to improve your cognitive function. Adding a few brain-boosting foods to your diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep each night are all great ways to improve your cognitive function. You can also sharpen your mind by playing games, learning a new skill, and reading. So, make sure to add these activities to your daily routine.
Did you know that listening to music has been shown to reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain and improve sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function? Listening to music is a great way to improve your brain health. Before you go out and blast the latest Drake album, it’s important to note that not all music is created equal when it comes to brain health.
Listening to classical music is beneficial for the brain. Playing an uplifting instrumental piece of classical music has improved cognitive function and memory. Next time at the gym, play a Marvel soundtrack to experience its full effects and get pumped up for your workout.
Research has shown that playing video games can improve cognitive function, memory, and attention span. Games like Candy Crush, Monument Valley, and Super Mario are not only fun to play. Still, they can help to improve your brain function and cognitive function.
Where you aware that stress and burnout can harm cognitive function? It’s essential to manage your stress levels to optimize your thoughts and mental performance.
Nature has also been shown to have a positive effect on the brain. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased focus. So, make sure to get outside for a walk each day and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
So, make sure to add a few activities to your daily routine, enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet, and make this year your best year yet.
Why is having a good mindset necessary?
Bruce Lee was on the right track when he said, “As you think, so shall you become.” What we put our attention on expands. If we focus on the negative, that is what will grow. But if we focus on the positive, my word, our life has the potential to flourish.
Remember, start by creating a clear plan. What are your goals? What do you need to do to achieve them, and when do you plan to achieve them? When you have a clear plan and focus on your goals, you will be well on your way to success.
Did you know:
- Dreams are often metaphors for something that is happening in your life
- It is estimated that we spend approximately six years of our lives dreaming.
- You can control your dreams? Yes, you can control what happens in your dreams. You can do this by keeping a dream journal and recording your dreams every morning upon waking up.
Sum it up:
The brain is a wonderful organ, and with a bit of work, we can all optimize its function to help us achieve our goals in life. Remember to fuel your brain with healthy foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and reduce stress to help improve your cognitive function. These simple tips will help you shift the game in your favor and live your best life yet.
We’re going to change the world! I know it may sound lofty, but this effort toward empowerment, education, and inspiration is something that needs your help. It might even give you a little inspiration on what we can achieve when working together as one team towards our goals.
So please share our article with friends/family members who could benefit from reading it. The first step usually isn’t easy; however, thanks for being part of my journey, and keep in mind that the best is yet to come.
Share your advice in the comment section below. This has been “7 Simple ways to fuel your brain and shift the game in your favor” I hope it was helpful.
References:
Donn Dexter, M. D. (2020, June 12). 5 tips to Keep your brain healthy. Mayo Clinic Health System. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-tips-to-keep-your-brain-healthy
Team, Brain and Spine. “How Exercise Protects Your Brain’s Health.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 16 Aug. 2021, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-exercise-protects-your-brains-health-and-what-kind-is-best/.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
No, actually, perhaps at a later point. To focus on certain social media platforms. Thanks for the interest.