The ability to rationalize is one characteristic that sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. It has taken thousands of years of evolution for us to reach this point. Because of this, I would have to say that aside from the heart, the brain is the most important organ in the body. Using your brain is vital to ensure the improvement of your cognition and mental function. Here are 8 things you can do to stimulate your brain.
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Read
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Photo Credit: AnnuskA - AnnA Theodora
Reading is an activity that flexes your brain muscles. You gain new information when you read. You use your memory to recall ideas and word meanings. You brain is also challenged when you try to understand the context of sentences. Trying to retain the things you have read also provides mental stimulation.
Work on Puzzles
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Photo Credit: Matt and Becki
Puzzles and brain teasers are great ways to exercise and stimulate your brain. Your brain will function better when you continually use your memory and problem-solving skills. Remember to keep yourself mentally charged in order to make your brain stronger.
Frequently asked questions
Keep Learning
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Photo Credit: Stefan Elf
Learning is a lifelong process. Learning keeps the existing brain cells strong. When you keep learning, new connections between brain cells are formed. Memory and cognitive functioning are enhanced when you keep learning.
Try New Things
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Photo Credit: laura marie scott,
When you try new things, you are strengthening the neural connections in the brain. Not only that, you are also creating new connections. The same things happen when you learn to do things in a different way. Try reading with an upside-down book or writing with the hand you don’t normally use.
Interact with People
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Photo Credit: KatieOak
Social interaction is a challenging activity and thus stimulates the brain. Interacting with people has been found to improve memory, mental performance, and cognitive functioning.
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Travel
Your brain becomes more active when faced with unfamiliar situations and places. You pay more attention to detail and information. You are on alert and your survival instincts kick in. Travelling also exposes you to new people, places, cultures, and food.
Exercise
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Exercise not only helps you lose weight and keep fit. It also helps strengthen and increase brain tissue. Exercise is a good way to challenge your brain and build new connections.
Get Enough Sleep
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Photo Credit: Rthomas11
Getting adequate rest is important for brain development. Sleep helps in the formation of new brain cells. Sleep also aids in the creation of memories and in the processing of information. Believe it or not, but parts of the brain are active when you sleep. The hippocampus, for example, becomes active and creates new long-term memories for you.
The brain is more than just a gray, wrinkled sponge. Without it, we cease to function and think. Just like the other muscles in our bodies, we should take time to exercise and use our brains.
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