Things we don't learn in school - How to train your brain!
The human brain is an extremely powerful tool that only YOU can control.
Did you know that you brain stopped growing at 18 but but continues to make new neurons throughout your life in response to mental activity?
Your intelligence level is measured according to your IQ, but did you know that you can increase your intelligence by stimulating your brain, or decrease it if your brain is not stimulated enough?
If you want to be a successful person your life depends on the two systems in your brain.
a. The fast intuitive emotional side
b. The slow, logical side.
To improve your memory it is needed to keep your short term memory awake and alive. If you don’t practice this every day then chances are that you will start to forget things.
Short-term memory (STM) is the human equivalent of RAM (random access memory) In a computer it is easy to manipulate and process, but also easy to erase and quick to fade.
Is your short-term memory functional or failing?
1. Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgot why you went in there?
2. If you answer an email, do you have to go back and check the email to answer the questions?
3. You are asked to remember a phone number. Do you have to write it down or can you just remember it?
4. You get lost and ask directions. Obviously you don’t have your phone with you, so do you follow the instructions easily or do you have to stop again to ask directions again?
If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions it might mean that your SMT is failing. You need to work to improve it by doing quizzes and play memory games.
Don’t worry, it is not too late yet. The more you practice the better your memory will become, especially if you focus more.
There are plenty of games available on the app store to improve your memory. Don’t waste your time playing Candy Crush, play games that can improve your memory like:
Train your brain/ Memory games for adults/Skillz/Picture match- These are only a few games that are available for free in the App store on your phone.
How can you start to improve your memory?
When you are a child your brain is stimulated with all sorts of things including shapes and colors. As you grow older this practice of learning goes out the door and we become stagnant because these are things that we already know. We don't learn anymore and that is our biggest mistake.
- Try and learn something new every single day. This will keep your brain in learning mode and your memory should start improving.
- Practice by memorizing phone numbers. Many people don’t even bother to learn someone’s phone number anymore because it is automatically on their phones. By memorizing numbers you are taking the first step in the right direction.
- Be more aware of what is going on around you. Take notice of people in shops and try to take a mental photo of a person that walks past you. Try and remember as much detail as possible. What they wear/ eye color/hair or any other features that can help you identify this person again in a crowd.
Make a point of spending 30 minutes a day to improve your memory.
Start making healthier choices when you eat and make sure you eat foods that are good for your brain.
Foods that are good for your brain:
- Nuts - Eating nuts are good for your heart and if you have a healthy heart you have a healthy brain.
- Coffee - Believe it or not! Caffeine and antioxidants in coffee helps to keep your brain alert.
- Fish rich in fat, for example salmon and sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. More than half your brain is made of fat and half of that fat is the omega 3 kind. Fatty fish will help increase your memory as you are feeding your brain what it needs.
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients that are important for brain function.
- Turmeric is a main ingredient in curry powder, but has an amazing effect on the brain as it can enter your brain directly because of the Curcumin which is the active ingredient of turmeric. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Broccoli is a powerful antioxidant and rich in Vitamin K.
- Oranges contain lots of vitamin C which is a key factor in preventing mental decline. If you don’t like oranges, you can find a different source of vitamin C by eating strawberries or tomatoes.
- Eggs contain several nutrients tied to brain health including vitamin B 6 and B 12.
Ultimately you need to improve your brain so that you can live longer and function better when you get older.
Prevention is better than cure! Start practicing today!