How to unleash the full potential of your brain. Unleashing the potential of the brain. Reading books helps you grow and has a healing power

In a dynamic era of fierce competition and abundant information, the success of an individual in all spheres of life directly depends on the size of intellectual capital. However, constant overload and chronic stress do not contribute to clarity of thinking and high performance of the brain.
Inability to concentrate, muscle weakness, indifference to ongoing events, loss of interest in exciting activities are clear symptoms of deteriorating brain function. Such signals can be ignored if these signs occur in the evening hours after a busy day or they appear during a viral illness.

However, if such symptoms begin to overcome after a good night's rest and constantly interfere with the usual activities, it is necessary to take measures to activate the brain.

The human brain is an amazing organ, the secrets of which are still not fully understood. Despite the fact that a certain proportion of genetic factors influence the work of the human "main computer", the functions of the brain must be improved daily: to develop memory, improve the ability to concentrate, polish logic and analysis.
In the case of an individual’s neglect of his body, the first signs of a decrease in brain performance will appear without waiting for old age. It has been confirmed by numerous studies that in people over 40 years of age, cognitive and mnestic functions gradually deteriorate.
Some mature ladies find it increasingly difficult to focus on one task. It becomes increasingly difficult for them to keep important details of the task in their heads. A more time-consuming task becomes a clear presentation of one's thoughts, conducting necessary analysis drawing up a logical conclusion.

Deterioration in the performance of the “host computer” is not the norm. It has been established that it is possible to maintain clarity of mind and an excellent memory up to old age, if you do not let the process of biological withering take its course, lead the right lifestyle and train your brain daily.

Causes of Decreased Brain Performance
Not always the reason for the decline in brain performance is natural age-related changes organism. There are a wide range of factors that affect brain activity which are relevant both for people of working age and for a children's audience. Let us describe the main reasons for the decline in brain performance.

Factor 1. Chronic stress or one-time mental stress
long-term effect of negative external factors or a one-time strong nervous shock, a feeling of irrational anxiety or sudden fright causes cell destruction nervous system and prevents the formation of new neural connections. The consequence of this is the deterioration of the quality of all cognitive processes: attention, memory, thinking, imagination, perception and sensations.

Factor 2. Lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation reduces a person's ability to concentrate, causes memory lapses, is the cause of unclear speech, and initiates a slowdown in all reactions. It can be argued that depriving a person of sleep is a terrible torture, insidious with serious consequences in somatic health and the mental sphere.

Factor 3 depressive states
In depression, there is a significant decrease in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which causes not only a depressed state, but also “rewards” a person with cognitive impairments, and hinders high-quality intellectual activity. A drop in the level of another neurotransmitter, dopamine, initiates a significant attention deficit, a decrease in working memory, and depression of executive functions.

Factor 4. Impaired functioning thyroid gland
Insufficient production of thyroid hormones leads to mental and physical development in children, causes a significant deterioration in the intellectual abilities of adults. The entire brain suffers from a deficiency of such hormones, including the departments responsible for attention and memory.

Factor 5. Lack or excess of estrogen
Increased or insufficient production female hormone estrogen can cause tremendous disruption in the functioning of the brain. Inappropriate levels of this hormone cause sharp deterioration memory, reduced ability to concentrate.

Factor 6. Alcohol abuse
Overuse alcohol has far reaching Negative consequences for the state of the brain. Alcoholism is memory lapses, clouding of consciousness, organic changes in brain cells, brain compression and, as a result, Korsakov's psychosis and complete disintegration of personality.

Factor 7. Traumatic brain injury
The deplorable consequences of head injuries can appear both instantly and after a long period of time. Common complications of traumatic brain injury: slurred speech, marked decrease in intelligence.

Factor 8. Vascular pathologies
Chronic vascular disorders or acute disorder blood supply to the brain have an extremely negative impact on the functioning of the "main computer". Problems with blood vessels are the reason for the deterioration of the integrative activity of the brain, prevents the consolidation of memory, and complicates learning processes.

How to Increase Brain Performance: Mind Training
To have a toned athletic figure, you need to train regularly, providing the muscles with a reasonable share of the load. This statement is also true for a high level of higher education. nervous activity, for excellent indicators of intellectual abilities, for the absence of problems with cognitive functions and memory: you should regularly train the brain.

Rule 1. Daily exercise for the mind

Trying to remember as much as possible new information, for this we memorize poems, anecdotes, excerpts from fiction.

Let's start learning a new foreign language.

We solve puzzles, crossword puzzles.

We solve logical and mathematical problems.

We play board games, the conditions of which require logic and analysis.

Instead of a calculator, we perform arithmetic calculations in our minds.

We mentally build a route to the destination, do not use the navigator.

We are trying to remember the required phone number without looking at the contact list on the phone.

We remember and write down on a sheet of paper the birthdays of relatives and friends.

After watching the movie, we retell the plot, call the names of the actors.

We write down and memorize unusual sayings and witty quotes.

In the evening, we restore the sequence of events of the day and analyze the events that have occurred.

We list the names of famous writers, poets, artists.

We make attempts to name as many concepts from one area as possible, for example: we list all famous species animals.

We play computer games requiring attention, for example: searching for hidden things.

Rule 2. Include food for the brain in the diet
improve quality brain activity can adjust your diet. Scientists have established which products contribute to maximum brain activity and increase the intellectual potential of a person. Among the components indispensable for the brain are the following products.

Muscat grapes contain anthocyanins - substances that ensure the flow of metabolic processes in the body.

Apples are able to eliminate defects in the nervous system. They are a powerful blood purifier and prevent the deformation of the vascular walls, which favorably affects the productivity of brain activity.

Choline, also called vitamin B4, has a pronounced anti-atherosclerotic and nootropic effect, improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue. The most generous product for choline is egg yolk.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can improve brain performance fatty acid found in seafood and sea fish eg: in salmon.

A valuable product for the quality functioning of the “main computer” is folic acid, which is rich in leafy greens, for example: spinach.

To prevent natural age-related changes is quite within the power of a powerful antioxidant - tocopherol. valuable products containing vitamin E - olive, sunflower, corn oil.

The source of energy for brain tissue is taurine. The maximum content of this amino acid is determined in the meat of turkey, chicken, tuna, raw red fish and oysters.

Can protect neurons from destruction regular use green tea.

Walnut will prevent the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary disease hearts.

Rule 3. Get rid of bad habits
Many treatises have been written on the damage that smoking and alcohol abuse brings to health. However, there are people who sincerely believe that alcohol and cigarettes help them think better and faster. The erroneousness of this point of view has been proven as a result of numerous scientific studies.
Tobacco and ethanol are false activators of brain activity, which for a short time create the illusion that the brain has begun to function more productively. Actually these bad habits lead to the destruction of existing neural connections, which worsens the cognitive and mnestic functions of the psyche. The conclusion is simple: to increase the performance of the brain, it is necessary to say goodbye to addictions once and for all.

Rule 4
Vigorous physical exercises, walking at a brisk pace, swimming, cycling activate the work of all body systems. Thanks to a daily half-hour exercise, it is possible to achieve an improvement in elasticity. blood vessels, enhance blood circulation and lymph circulation, naturally cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Physical exercise stimulates the restoration of nervous tissue, contributes to the emergence of new neural connections, which, in the end, will have a positive effect on the working capacity of the brain.

Rule 5. We carry out a head massage
Daily massage of the head and collar zone increases blood circulation in the vessels of the brain and promotes venous outflow. The ideal option is to visit the salon of a professional massage therapist once a season, and the rest of the time to massage yourself. You can perform the procedure in the classical way - with your hands, and using a special device - a massager. Elementary combing of hair with a brush for 10 minutes can improve blood circulation.

Rule 6. Use color therapy, use essential oils
It has been established that each specific color has a certain effect on the functioning of the body. Some shades excite the nervous system and activate the brain, others soothe and pacify. A picture made in bright yellow colors can improve the performance of the brain - this color significantly improves the intellectual abilities of the individual. Saturated Orange color will become an effective stimulant for reaching new heights and self-affirmation.

To achieve progress in the performance of the brain, you can use aromatherapy. Natural essential oils with a citrus and wood scent have a tonic effect on the body, contributing to the development of cognitive functions.

Rule 7
To open your hidden talents we use a proven technique: we block one of the perception channels for a short time. We can eat with eyes closed, brush your teeth or comb your left hand. We try, closing our eyes, to determine the object by touch and recognize the product by smell. We also develop the ability for ambidexterity - we train the functions of both hands, for example: draw geometric figures with both hands at the same time.

For decades, fundamental cognitive skills (such as the speed at which we process information) were thought to be fairly stable throughout life. Scientists recently discovered that various exercises, aimed at stimulating important areas of the brain, actually change the density of cells. Theoretically, we can literally enlarge our brains with certain mental exercises. Many were skeptical about this idea. And yet, science proves that when stimulating the brain with special exercises brain cells do grow. Experiments and research show that the brain can be trained in several ways.

1. Chat with different people

Psychologist Daniel Wegner developed the concept of transactional memory in 1985, according to which a person becomes an expert in one specific area, that is, he perfectly remembers information of a certain type. For example, your husband is well versed in music and can name both the composer and the work from the first notes. At the same time, he absolutely cannot remember new faces and names, and you do it with ease. When you are together, you work in tandem without any problems in different situations, for example, at a party. Or you have a friend who is great at memorizing numbers while you easily recite poems. That is, the more your friends differ from you in terms of the type of memory, the more information they can provide you with. Opposites working in the same team always create a creative atmosphere. Make friends with those who help you see things from different perspectives.

Try to understand other people with whom you disagree, listen to their arguments and find some meaning in them. It "opens" the mind.

2. Think positive

There is a well-known Pygmalion effect, discovered in 1968 by two psychologists Rosenthal and Jacobsen. If we set ourselves high standards and we consider their achievement possible, then they are realized. Teach your kids this, reward them for the smallest successes, and they will believe in their potential. Research has long proven that a positive attitude can reveal many hidden talents. For example, a group of the most ordinary schoolchildren were told that now they would study in a math class, as they were found to have great aptitude for mathematics. As a result, even the lagging behind students began to understand mathematics better than their peers, who were left in the regular group.

3. Sleep 7 to 9 hours

During sleep, the brain does not turn off. It processes the mass of information accumulated during the day, and sometimes gives out solutions to problems. The need for uninterrupted sleep is now being questioned. Possibly short naps daytime healthier than an 8-hour night's rest. But in total, sleep should take at least 7 hours a day.

4. Eat natural foods

Marketing experts will prove that you cannot do without their miracle pills. But simple vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, some berries, you need in general more vegetables and nuts, green tea and nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts) are great for the brain and improve memory. Legumes contain amino acids (for example, tyrosine). They are needed for the production of very important neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine) associated with mental activity.

plays an important role and breast-feeding. Children who have been breastfed for several months have more high level I.Q. This is explained by the fact that with breast milk they received omega-3 fatty acids, which, as a rule, are not available with artificial feeding. Only fortified milk formulas can make up for the deficiency of Omega-3. Studies have shown that if a mother in the last trimester of pregnancy eats foods with high content Omega 3, then the intelligence of the child will be higher, and this will continue for life. The use of processed food products(carbonated drinks, bread, cakes, etc.) lowers the child's IQ.

5. Meditation

If you want to improve your concentration and memory, practice meditation. Professor of neurology Eileen Luders notes that as a result of meditation, the brain begins to process information faster and more efficiently. In the journal Neuroimage in 2009, there was a report that meditation can increase cell density in the hippocampus (associated with our memory) and in frontal lobes(associated with the planning and control of behavior).

In addition, meditation relieves stress, which negatively affects learning. There are many ways to meditate, but they all require silence, a calm environment, and focus on the breath.

6. Exercise

For many psychologists, it turned out to be unexpected that sports are sometimes a real panacea for physical, emotional and even intellectual problems.

First, exercise increases blood flow, resulting in more oxygen and glucose for the brain.
Secondly, they improve coordination.
Thirdly, they promote the growth of new brain cells (neurons) and the connections between them (neurogenesis).

Besides, good workout can "awaken" dormant stem cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for our memory.

7. Keep mentally active

The more you talk to your child, the smarter he will be. Solve puzzles, read books aloud, tell stories. If done regularly, a child's IQ can be raised by 6 points. But it is advisable to start in early age(about 4 years old) and not just read, but in the process of reading, show various emotions, change the tone of voice, immediately answer questions that have arisen or ask questions yourself. This is the most important thing you can do to develop intelligence in small child. Not a single computer game or television program is capable of this.

If your parents did not give you due attention, then you yourself can support your own Gray matter in a good shape. Solve crosswords, sudoku, you can even study instructions for devices or maps. All this trains your brain.

8. Learn at any age

Sign up for a course or learn something online. It used to be thought that the IQ coefficient practically did not change throughout life. Now this is a controversial issue, as Norwegian scientists have proven that each extra year of education can increase the IQ of an adult by an average of 3.7 points. All who receive additional education, they only benefit from this.

It is not known whether such exercises will ever be developed that will target the development of any particular area of \u200b\u200bthe brain. There are attempts, but often they do not live up to expectations. However, we can and should exercise our brains. Because as a result of training, our mental abilities undoubtedly improve, IQ increases, and we are able to reveal our intellectual potential to a greater extent.

9. Travel

Learn new things in the world. Make time for yourself to travel. It is useful to go to the mountains, on a tour trip with strangers, go boating on a river or sea, all this has a positive effect on the assimilation of new information and intelligence in general.
Hiking normalize blood flow and improves mood giving tone to the whole body.

Read a lot of literature

The most useful literature is the one that does not become obsolete over the years, but is in demand after many years, this refers to classical literature, which gives a positive development of a person in a moral, spiritual and mental form.
The most useless literature is newspapers, detective stories, not long novels that come out every month.

Save for yourself and your friends.

1.Solve riddles and puzzles.
2. Develop ambidexterity (ability to use 2 hands equally well)
3. Work with ambiguity, uncertainty. Learn to enjoy things like paradoxes and optical illusions.
4. Study mind maps (this is a way of depicting a process using diagrams).
5. Block one or more sensations. Eat blindfolded, take a shower with your eyes closed.
6. Develop comparative taste sensations. Learn to fully feel, savor food
7. Look for areas of intersection between unrelated things.
8. Learn to type blindly.

9. Think of new uses for common items. How different ways can you think of, for example, for a nail? 10. Change your habitual ideas to the opposite.
11. Learn techniques for developing creativity.
12. Do not dwell on the obvious, mentally rush beyond the first, “correct” answer to the question.
13. Change the established order of things. 14. Ask yourself the question "What if? .."
15. RUN, PLAY!
16. Turn pictures, photos upside down.
17. Develop critical thinking. Refute common misconceptions.
18. Study logic. Decide logical tasks.
19. Learn the scientific way of thinking.
20. Draw, draw automatically. You don't have to be an artist for this.
21. Think positively.
22. Take up some kind of art - sculpture, painting, music
23. Learn the art of performing tricks, develop manual dexterity.
24. Eat foods that are good for the brain.
25. Strive to constantly experience a slight feeling of hunger.
26. Get busy exercise!
27. Sit up straight.
28. Drink 2-3 liters of water.
29. Breathe deeply.
30. Laugh!
31. Diversify activities. Choose a new hobby for yourself.
32. Take care of good sleep. Practice short naps.
33. Listen to music.
34. Declare war on your tendency to procrastinate.
35. Limit yourself in food.
36. Read materials on the structure of the brain.
37. Change clothes. Walk barefoot.
38. Improve your conversations with yourself.
39. Become simpler!
40. Play chess. It is especially interesting to play in real time over the Internet
41. Play brain games. Solve crossword puzzles...
42. Be direct, like children!
43. Play video games (in moderation).
44. Develop a sense of humor! Write or make up jokes.
45. Make a List of 100 (idea generation technique).
46. Use the Idea Quota method (compiling a preliminary list of ideas).
47. Consider every idea that comes to you.
48. Build an idea bank. Let your ideas develop. Come back to each one after a while.
49. Conduct a “thematic observation”. Pick a topic and focus on it.
50. Keep a diary.
51. Learn foreign languages.
52. Eat at different restaurants.
53. Study the computer.
54. Read long words vice versa.
55. Change your environment - the location of objects, furniture
56. Write stories, poetry, start a blog.
57. Learn the language of symbols.
58. Learn the art of playing musical instruments.
59. Visit museums.
60. Study the functioning of the brain.
61. Learn the technique of speed reading.
62. Determine your learning style.
63. Learn the method of determining the days of the week for any date!
64. Try to evaluate the time intervals by sensations.
65. "Approximate calculation." Which is more - leaves in the Amazon forests or neural connections in the brain? (answer)
66. Make friends with math. Fight the "failure to count."
67. Build Memory Palaces.
68. Study the system of figurative thinking for the development of memory.
69. Have sex.
70. Remember people's names.
71. Meditate.
72. Practice concentration and complete absence thoughts.
73. Watch movies of different genres.
74. Avoid an empty TV seat.
75. Learn to concentrate.
76. Be in touch with nature.
77. Mentally solve math problems.
78. Refuse to rush.
79. Change your habitual speed various kinds activities.
80. Do only one thing at a time.
81. Develop curiosity.
82. Try on someone else's consciousness. How other people would think if they were you.
83. Cultivate a contemplative attitude towards the world.
84. Find time for solitude and relaxation.
85. Set yourself up for continuous learning throughout your life.
86. Travel. Get to know the way of life of people from other countries.
87. Study geniuses.
88. Create a circle of reliable friends.
89. Look for rivalry. You should not communicate only with like-minded people.
90. Surround yourself with people whose worldview is different from yours.
91. Participate in brainstorming sessions!
92. Change the way you plan for the future: short term/long term.
93. Look for the roots of all problems.
94. Collect quotes from famous people.
95. Change communication: use paper instead of computer, voice recording instead of writing.
96. Read the classics.
97. Improve the art of reading. Compose summary books.
98. Develop self-awareness.
99. Speak your problems out loud.
100. Describe your feelings in great detail.
101. Use the Braille method. Start by counting the floors while in the elevator.
102. Get a piece of art that shakes you up.
103. Stimulate, provoke sensations and thoughts. Use different perfumes.
104. Mix sensations. How much does pink weigh? What does lavender smell like?
105. Argue! Defend your arguments. 106. Use the time-boxing method (fixing a period of time to complete a task).
107. Take time to develop your brain.
108. Create a mental sanctuary (in your imagination).
109. Be curious!
110. Challenge yourself.
111. Develop the art of visualization. Spend at least 5 minutes a day.
112. Start a notebook when you wake up, write down your dreams.
113. Learn lucid dreaming.
114. Get a dictionary interesting words. Create your own words.
115. Look for metaphors. Link abstract and concrete concepts.
116. Learn to manage your emotions.
117. Master the method of random input of information. Write out random words from a journal.
118. Go a different route every day.
119. Walk fast or jog.
120. Develop vocabulary.
121. Always achieve more than expected.
And finally a bonus:

The human brain is an amazing organ. It is the most accessible and at the same time the most complex “device” in the Universe.

We offer you a few tricks that will help "pump" the brain.

Workout

Aerobic exercise. These are exercises where oxygen is the main source of energy. Aerobic training strengthens muscles, normalizes blood circulation, relieves stress. And a recent study from the University of Illinois also showed that "oxygen" exercise also has a beneficial effect on the brain. Just 30 minutes of training per day, and the work of cognitive functions improves by 5-10%.

Strength exercises. Are the studs dumb? No matter how! Lifting weights not only builds muscle, but can also increase levels of so-called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein responsible for protecting brain neurons.

Music. Another study found that the brain starts to work better if you listen to your favorite music during exercise. So onward to genius.

Dancing. This is a great way to keep fit, improve flexibility and coordination. Moreover, according to Daniel J. Amen, MD, neurophysiologist and neuropsychiatrist, author of the book A Great Brain at Any Age, dancing is also a great mind trainer. After all, dancing, we use different parts of the brain.

Golf. It is not for nothing that it is called an intellectual game: it is not as easy to calculate the force of impact and the trajectory of the ball as it seems at first glance. In addition, doctors believe that golf stimulates work. sensory department cerebral cortex.

Yoga. The ancient Indian spiritual and physical practice, it turns out, not only has a beneficial effect on health, but also improves memory, self-control abilities and long-term concentration. By at least, such conclusions were made by scientists from the University of Illinois, led by Neha Gothe.

Food

Water. The body is 80% water. It is necessary for every organ, but the brain in particular. In the course of another scientific experiment, it was found that people who are thirsty cope worse with logical tasks than those who drank half a liter of water before testing.

Omega 3. Unsaturated fatty acids are super healthy. Including for the brain and nervous system. They provide a rapid influx of energy necessary for the transmission of impulses from cell to cell, which, in turn, increases mental abilities and helps to quickly retrieve the necessary information from the "reservoirs" of memory. Lots of omega-3s in fish walnuts and linseed oil.

Greens. Spinach and other greens contain folic acid, vitamins E and K. These substances prevent the development of dementia (dementia). In addition, the antioxidants found in greens protect the brain from stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Apples. They contain quercetin - a substance that has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial actions. But for us, the main thing is that quercetin protects brain cells from damage, and therefore prevents the violation of its cognitive properties. Most of it is in apple peel.

Nuts. They are rich in protein, and protein supplies the brain with energy. In addition, nuts are rich in lecithin, the lack of which in the body can cause multiple sclerosis and other nervous diseases.

Vitamins. B9 (citrus fruits, bread, beans, honey) and B12 (liver, eggs, fish) - without these substances normal functioning body is impossible. The first is necessary to create and maintain in healthy condition new cells, and the second reduces the symptoms of senile dementia and confusion.

Eggs. Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Perhaps you will find the answer to this philosophical question if you eat both. After all, chicken yolk is a source of choline, and it helps to develop the cognitive functions of the brain, that is, the ability to understand, learn, study, realize, perceive and process.

Milk. Drink, children, milk, you will be healthy! After all, milk is calcium, which strengthens bones. In addition, scientists have found that a glass of milk a day improves memory and other mental abilities.

Coffee. It's not a joke. Scientific studies have found that caffeine can improve attention and short term memory. And of course, it will add vivacity.

Chocolate. You go to the exam - eat a chocolate bar. Everyone does it, but few people know why. Or rather, few people know how chocolate makes us smarter. It's all about glucose and flavonols. Sugar speeds up the reaction and improves memory, while flavonols stimulate other cognitive skills.

Schedule

Deep sleep. We have already talked about how important sleep is for normal life. Let us repeat only - in order for the convolutions to move, you need to sleep at least seven hours a day.

Drowsiness. Dozing is helpful. This is an indisputable fact. The question is how much? The ideal duration of an afternoon nap is 10-20 minutes. A person does not have time to fall asleep soundly and it is easier for him to wake up. But on the other hand, according to scientists, the best effect on the brain is a 90-minute nap (memory improves, creative ideas appear). More details about .

Habitual style. Break it! Yes, yes, for one day destroy the established order for years - drink coffee in another cafe and not at 9, but at 11 o'clock, go to work by a new route, redraw things in your diary. Such "shake-ups" are very useful - they help the brain to be in good shape.

Sense organs. Another interesting brain training is sharpening individual bodies feelings. For example, hearing. To do this, blindfold and try to walk around the room, focusing only on the surrounding sounds.

Workplace. Will the devil break his leg on the table? Then in the head too. cluttered workplace- not only ugly, but also significantly affects performance. Negatively affects. Tidy up your workplace, and you will be surprised how much faster your brain starts to work.

Sketches. If you find it difficult to focus on a task (and you really need it), try taking a pen and paper and draw it. Diagrams, tables and other sketches will help you concentrate and, perhaps, open up a new vision of the problem.

Notes. It is useful not only to draw by hand, but also to write. Gadgets have almost ousted paper from our lives, which is why we are unlikely to become smarter. After all, the creation of a handwritten text develops higher brain functions, such as memory, attention, psychomotor coordination and others. It is no coincidence that a foreign word written by hand is remembered better than one entered on the keyboard.

Flight of thoughts. Everyone is familiar with the round dance of thoughts. This is when you need to think about a project, there are a thousand and one ideas in your head, but not a single one is necessary. At such moments, we try to “curb” randomly jumping thoughts and, finally, get down to business. And in vain. Research by scientists shows that by letting our thoughts fly free, we stimulate the creative activity of the brain. So relax and let yourself just dream.

Education

Novelty. A new, more complex activity stimulates the release of dopamine, which contributes to the growth of neurons. Go up the intellectual stairs. Each time complicate your task - solve more difficult puzzles, read smart books.

Orientation. Poorly know your city or even area? Excellent! In terms of training mental capacity. Mastering new routes develops memory, attention and other cognitive functions.

Music making. Musicians have a well-developed parietal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for hearing, motor and visual-spatial skills. If you want to "pump" these qualities, try to learn how to play some musical instrument.

Foreign languages. Mastering a second or third language improves memory, broadens one's horizons, and also protects the body from Alzheimer's disease.

Oral speech. If you say something out loud, then it is better remembered. Proven scientific fact.

positive thinking. Positive psychologists are relentless and unanimous: think positively and become smarter.

Relaxation

Meditation. We have already written about. We only recall that regular meditation practice helps to get rid of a sudden feeling of anxiety, respond more adequately to physical ailments, and also better understand other people.

Computer games. On TV they shout that children are getting dumber from computer games, that teenagers who spend a lot of time on the Xbox are degrading. But a professor from the University of Rochester claims that gaming improves multitasking and spatial thinking. In addition, logic computer games cannot be called “stupefying”.

Relations

Conversations. "Hi, how are you?" - hate this phrase? It's a pity time for "empty" chatter? Do you prefer to keep the dialogue strictly on the case? On the one hand, it is commendable, but on the other hand, even trifling conversations, “about nothing”, develop cognitive functions - speech, attention and control.

Sex. This pleasurable activity in all respects increases the level of serotonin in the blood (the "hormone of happiness", which, among other things, increases creativity) and the level of oxytocin (the "hormone of confidence" - helps a person think in new directions and make bold decisions).

Laugh. He, like sex, - the best medicine from many diseases. If you long time doing strenuous intellectual activity, then it’s not worth it when you come home from work to take up a volume of Schopenhauer. Give your brain a rest, turn on a good comedy and laugh heartily.

Ancestors. in a prestigious magazine dedicated to social psychology, has been published. According to him, people who thought about their ancestors before taking memory, thinking and attention tests got better results than those who did not think about their grandparents. It is difficult to say how objective the arguments of scientists are, but knowing your genealogy is definitely useful.

How do you train your brain?

translation into Russian: Nikonov Vladimir
original article: litemind.com/boost-brain-power

121 tips on how to think faster, improve memory, absorb information better and use the full potential of your brain.

You can start doing them right from today.

Solve riddles and puzzles.
Develop ambidexterity (two-handedness, the ability to equally well own the right and left hand). Try to brush your teeth, comb your hair, manipulate the computer mouse with your non-dominant hand. Write with both hands at the same time. Change hands while eating when using a knife and fork.
Work with ambiguity, uncertainty. Learn to enjoy things like paradoxes and optical illusions.
Mind mapping ( note: a diagram of connections, a way of depicting the process of general systems thinking using diagrams).
Block one or more sensations. Eat blindfolded, plug your ears with tampons for a while, take a shower with your eyes closed.
Develop comparative taste sensations. Learn to fully feel, savor wine, chocolate, beer, cheese and anything else.
Look for areas of intersection between seemingly unrelated things.
Learn to use keyboards with different key layouts (learn how to touch type).
Come up with new uses for common items. How many different ways can you think of, for example, for a nail? Ten? One hundred?
Change your habitual ideas to the opposite.
Learn techniques for developing creativity.
Do not dwell on the obvious, mentally rush beyond the first, “correct” answer to the question.
Change the established order of things. Ask yourself the question "What if...?"
RUN, RUN!
Turn pictures, photos upside down.
Develop critical thinking. Refute common misconceptions.
Learn logic. Solve logic problems.
Learn the scientific way of thinking.
Draw, draw automatically. You don't have to be an artist for this.
Take up some kind of art - sculpture, painting, music - or test yourself in some other creativity.
Learn the art of showing tricks, develop manual dexterity.
Eat foods that are good for the brain.
Strive to constantly experience a slight feeling of hunger.
Get exercise!
Sit up straight.
Drink plenty of water.
Breathe deeply.
Laugh!
Diversify your activities. Choose a hobby for yourself.
Take care of good sleep.
Practice short naps.
Declare war on your tendency to procrastinate.
Limit yourself in the use of technology.
Study materials on the study of the brain.
Change clothes. Walk barefoot.
Improve your conversations with yourself.
Become easier!
Play chess or other board games. Play online (it's especially fun to play live via email!).
Play mind games. Sudoki, crosswords and countless other games are at your service.
Be spontaneous like children!
Play video games.
Develop a sense of humor! Write or make up jokes.
Make a List of 100 ( note: a technique for generating ideas, discovering hidden problems, or making decisions).
Use the Idea Quota method ( note: a method for compiling a preliminary list of ideas during the day).
Consider every idea that comes to you. Create an idea bank.
Let your ideas develop. Return to each of them at regular intervals.
Conduct "thematic observation". Try, for example, to mark red-colored objects as often as possible during the day. Tag cars of a specific brand. Pick a topic and focus on it.
Keep a diary.
Learn foreign languages.
Eat at different restaurants - preference for national restaurants.
Learn computer programming.
Read long words backwards. !einjuborP
Change your surroundings - change the location of objects, furniture, move somewhere.
Write! Write stories, poetry, start a blog.
Learn the language of symbols.
Learn the art of playing musical instruments.
Visit museums.
Study the functioning of the brain.
Study.
Define your learning style.
Learn the method of determining the days of the week for any date!
Try to evaluate the time intervals by feeling.
"Approximate calculation". Which is more - leaves in the Amazon forests or neural connections in the brain? (answer)
Make friends with math. Fight the "failure to count."
Build Memory Palaces.
Learn the system of imaginative thinking for the development of memory.
Have sex (Sorry, no comment here!).
Remember people's names.
Meditate. Practice concentration and total absence of thoughts.
Watch films of different genres.
Get off the TV.
Learn to concentrate.
Be in touch with .
Solve math problems mentally.
Give up haste.
Change the usual speed of various activities.
Do only one thing at a time.
Develop curiosity.
Try on someone else's mind. How do you think other people in your place would think, solve your problems? How would a fool behave in your place?
Cultivate a contemplative attitude towards the world.
Find time for solitude and relaxation.
Set yourself up for continuous learning throughout your life.
Travel abroad. Get to know the way of life of people from other countries.
Study geniuses (Leonardo is great company for you!)
Create a circle of trusted friends.
Look for rivalry.
You should not communicate only with like-minded people. Surround yourself with people whose worldview is different from yours.
Participate in brainstorming sessions!
Change the way you plan for the future: short-term/long-term, collective/individual.
Look for the roots of all problems.
Collect quotes from famous people.
Change the means of communication: use paper instead of a computer, voice recording instead of writing.
Read the classics.
Improve the art of reading. Effective reading is an art, develop it.
Write summaries of books.
Develop self-awareness.
Voice your concerns out loud.
Describe your feelings in great detail.
Use the Braille method. Start by counting the floors as you take the elevator.
Get a piece of art that will shake you up. Stimulate, provoke sensations and thoughts.
Use different perfume scents.
Mix sensations. How much does pink weigh? What does lavender smell like?
Argue! Defend your arguments. Try also to accept the point of view of the opponent.
Use the time boxing method ( note: method of fixing a certain period of time for the execution of a task or group of tasks).
Spend time developing your brain.
Create a mental sanctuary ( note: a place that exists only in your imagination).
Be curious!
Challenge yourself.
Develop the art of visualization. Do this at least 5 minutes a day.
Write down your dreams. Get a notebook and first thing in the morning, or when you wake up, write down your dreams.
Learn to lucid dream.
Keep a dictionary of interesting words. Create your own words.
Look for metaphors. Link abstract and concrete concepts.
Master the method of random input of information. Write out random words from a journal. Read randomly selected sites.
Go every day a different route. Change the streets you go to work, jog or come home.
Install various Operating Systems to your PC.
Develop vocabulary.
Achieve more than expected.

Good luck,
Nikonov Vladimir