12 Tips for Improving Brain Function
Even before the invention of computers, we
had a very powerful tool for calculating, planning and performing
complex tasks of various kinds. This is, of course, the brain, which is
the computer of the body and is responsible for the regulation of a
variety of important processes in its various organs, and of course it’s
also responsible for emotional and practical thinking.
Because it has so many roles, it is very important that we take care to
perform actions that will maintain its proper functioning over time and
prevent damage to it. The following 12 tips may sound unusual, but they
will help keep your brain sharp for a long time so you can enjoy robust
health of the most vital organ in your body.
1. Try aromatherapy
There is nothing like the intoxicating aroma of essential oils to
improve our mood, and it turns out that these extracts can also help
improve our brain function. Rosemary oil, for example, helps to clear
your mind from thoughts and maintain clarity of mind, and other oils
such as mint and basil reduce mental fatigue and increase our
concentration. To take advantage of these oils, special tools can be
used to disperse them in the air or they can be applied directly to the
skin after being diluted.
2. Conduct a brief brainstorming session
It's no secret that to keep a clear head you just have to think, but to
make the most of it you have to do it right. One of the best things you
can do to increase your creativity and brain function is to brainstorm
briefly with yourself or with other people. Raise different ideas, vary
the words you use, and discover the thoughts that come to mind at any
given moment. This will help you a lot when you have to do different
writing jobs or simply when you want to keep yourself sharp.
3. Maintain a regular bacterial balance in
the gut
It is not for nothing that the digestive system is called the "second
brain" of the body since it is connected to the brain directly by the
vagus nerve. The various bacteria in the stomach emit substances that
transmit messages to the brain and vice versa so that there is a close
connection between these two organs. This causes what happens in the
stomach to have a significant effect on the brain and its function,
especially when it comes to bacterial balance.
In cases where this delicate balance is
disturbed and "bad bacteria" proliferate in the digestive system, they
emit harmful substances that reach the brain through the vagus nerve and
may be harmful to it. To prevent such a situation, it is important to
maintain a balanced diet and try to avoid foods with artificial
substances as much as possible, and those that you know are not
beneficial to your health.
4. Minimize the use of navigation software
Many people are now used to getting into the vehicle and running their
favorite navigation software to get help reaching their destination,
which can be a short distance away. However, it turns out that this
action may affect our brain function adversely and cause damage to our
spatial memory. In a study published in 2011, researchers found that
among taxi drivers in London who participated in the experiment, the use
of maps instead of navigation devices increased the function of the
part of their brain related to spatial memory and even changed its
structure. So the next time you go on a trip, consider taking a paper
map and training your brain to get the best out of it.
5. Maintain oral hygiene
Aside from the fact that brushing your teeth protects them from
cavities, gingivitis and unpleasant breath, it can also help you improve
your brain function. The reason for this is very simple and is due to
the fact that plaque deposits formed between the teeth if not treated
properly cause a chain reaction that ultimately prevents the arteries
from transferring essential nutrients to the brain. As a result, the
brain doesn’t get all the materials it needs and its activity may slowly
fade because of it. To improve your brain function and make sure that
your body's most important organ gets all it needs, keep your mouth
clean and try to prevent food from getting stuck between your teeth.
6. Take short breaks during the day
When we "load" our brain with innumerable tasks during the day, we can
damage it and even cause it to lose its function. It is sometimes
difficult to avoid considering the hectic lifestyle many of us have, but
if you want to improve your brain function, take occasional breaks. Try
to take short timeouts, even for just a few minutes, from what you’re
doing and fill this time with light activity like surfing the web or
even relaxing and having a cup of coffee. This will allow your brain to
shift gears from time to time and over time its function will improve,
allowing you to perform tasks more easily.
7. Use coconut oil
When our brain does not get the nutrients it needs, a condition
sometimes caused by a diet that is deficient or low in carbohydrates,
degenerative processes can occur that damage its function. To prevent
this condition, our body breaks down fats in a process whose products
are particles called ketones - triglycerides with medium chains. These
particles become the nutrients of the brain, which in a study at the
Institute for Medical Research of Nutrition, Brain, and Trauma in
Washington found that they greatly increased brain activity.
This does not mean, of course, that in order to motivate our bodies to
produce more ketones, we need to switch to poor nutrition, but only to
add these particles to our daily diet, for example by using coconut oil
that contains a lot of them. Consumption of about 20 grams each day can
do wonders for the brain and improve its activity considerably.
8. Try to practice yoga
The benefits of yoga exercises and their positive effect on mood and
relaxation are known to most of us, but it turns out that these unique
movements also have a significant effect on brain function. This is due
to the fact that certain movements performed in this exercise increase
the blood supply to the brain, thereby sharpening memory and
contributing significantly to the health of the vital organ in our
bodies.
9. Do not forget to go out to the sun often
Even if you get plenty of sun exposure you may still be vitamin D
deficient! Each person needs a different amount of this essential
vitamin meaning that each of us should stay outside for a certain period
of time. This is particularly important because vitamin D is needed for
proper functioning of the brain, and if there is a deficiency in the
body, it can cause damage. On the other hand, a sufficient amount of
this solar vitamin improves brain activity and even slows the aging of
the body’s "computer”, so try to go out and spend time in the sun often
to improve your brain function.
10. Think of your ancestors
Many may wonder what this phrase means, but there is no hidden meaning
here. A study published in 2010 found that subjects who thought of their
ancestors and their family heritage performed better on cognitive tests
than those who did not. The researchers believe that a thought that
focuses on family lineage and storyline increases a sense of control,
which makes us think more clearly and function better. So if you want to
improve your brain activity, try to think about your family often,
it’ll only help you.
11. Lie with your head down
There is nothing like going to bed at the end of a long day to rest and
let our bodies and minds relax. The next time you do this, try lying
down for a few minutes in a way that will cause your head to drop down,
for example by lying on the edge of the bed. In a study conducted at the
School of Psychology in Australia, researchers found that subjects who
practiced this way of lying solved puzzles better than those who lay
normally. The reason for this is that when resting in this position,
more blood and oxygen reach the brain and improve its functioning, and
this action also has a positive effect on memory.
12. Think more positively
This sounds a little trite, but the key to a healthy mental and physical
life is to think positively. Not only will this make you feel better,
but your brain function will also improve. Behind this statement lies a
scientific explanation: when we enter a negative mood and feel bad, our
body releases chemicals and hormones that cause the destruction of brain
cells. Conversely, when we learn to regulate our anger and negative
emotions, our brain rewires itself and makes us more relaxed. So, to
strengthen your brain power, try to be positive.
The brain is an amazing organ, with new
things being discovered about it all the time, such as actions that can
be done to improve its functioning. Doing the 12 things mentioned above
will help you slow the cognitive aging process, help keep your mind
sharp and improve memory over time.