Lifestyle Changes You Can Start Now to Improve Your Brain Function

You’re feeling forgetful. You missed your friend’s birthday party last week, and now you can’t find your car keys to save your life. Is there something wrong with you or are you simply getting old?

 

Chances are, the answer is neither. As we live increasingly fast-paced lives, it becomes more and more important to do proactive things to guard our brains. So, if the doctor has already given you a clean bill of health, maybe it’s time to figure out some lifestyle changes that will improve your brain function so that you can live a better life.

 

1. Try a diet that’s more brain-friendly. The Mediterranean Diet has been proven time and again to not only help you to retain your brain function as you age but will improve your brain function when continued over time. Why does it work? Because the Mediterranean Diet is rich in the right kinds of foods that contain healthy fats and antioxidants. They cut out all those foods that inhibit brain function such as processed foods, sugars, and dairy.

 

2. Learn a new language. While at first glance this might seem to be a good idea because it acts as a brain teaser to stimulate your brain in new ways, there’s a lot more going on than that. Several studies have proven that learning a language forges new neural pathways, increases brain elasticity, and helps you to process new information more quickly. A further study from the University of Edinburgh has shown that being able to speak more than one language slows down the kind of loss in brain function that’s associated with growing older.

 

3. Take up music. Like learning languages, learning how to play a musical instrument acts in many of the same ways on your brain. But there’s also some added benefit in better skills related to hearing and listening. The biggest benefit though comes from connecting the physical act of playing music with the hearing and appreciation of music and the connectivity between different parts of the brain that results from that action.

 

4. Consider exercise. We’re not talking about physical exercise here (though that’s always beneficial) but the kind that comes of challenging your brain to remember things. The idea is simple: by practicing remembering things, you find that you’re able to remember more and more in proportion to the amount of practice you put in. 

 

While some of these changes seem drastic, the benefits are huge. Learning new things and practicing your memory skills can only be seen as beneficial. And wouldn’t you want to eat in the way that gives your brain the most optimal environment for growth? Commit to change, and you’ll soon see the positive benefits that come of working to improve your brain function.

 

9 Changes to Make to Your Life to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Focused

Losing cognition skills doesn’t have to be inevitable. In fact, by making some simple life changes now, you can help your brain to stay healthy and focused, regardless of your age. 

 

Drop the Stress

 

Chronic stress can damage your brain. Start with an honest evaluation of what stress you can erase. For the rest, remember you can always learn the skills to manage it better. Try daily meditation and exercise. Time for yourself is really of utmost importance.

 

Get in Motion

 

Speaking of exercise, did you know regular physical activity is not just good for your body but brings your mind to peak condition as well? Try exercise that requires you to concentrate for added benefit.

 

Try Something Fishy

 

Those omega-3 fatty acids are good for you. Eat salmon, tuna, or some other kind of fatty fish every week if you can.

 

Drop the Sugar

 

It’s a known fact sugar isn’t good for you but did you know eating a lot of it will lead to inflammation in the brain inhibiting brain function? Now is the time to find other, healthier snacks, like veggies or nuts.

 

Spend Time with Friends

 

Getting out with people you enjoy spending time with keeps your brain engaged and challenged in positive ways.

 

Learn Stuff

 

Nothing is quite so good for your brain as engaging it and challenging it with new information. Take a class. Learn a language. Do something new. 

 

Drop the Toxins

 

Things like smoking, alcohol, and constant exposure to toxins in the environment will impair your brain function. Clean up your environment. Quit smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Doing all these things will help you to stay sharper longer.

 

Pay Attention to your Vitamins

 

Making sure your nutritional needs are in balance will keep your brain functioning at its best. The important ones for brain health? B-12, B-6, magnesium, and folate. In a healthy diet, you would normally get most of what you need. Although you could add to this a supplement with Vitamin D if your levels are low. 

 

Sleep

 

In the end, making sure you get enough sleep is one of the best things you can do for your brain (and your general health). Make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep at night, in an environment optimal for sleep. 

 

Some attention on your brain now will serve you well in your later life. Don’t delay in making these changes. The sooner you begin, the better. Your brain will thank you for it!

 

Looking to Develop Your Creativity? Try These Tips!

Some people seem more naturally creative than others. We usually associate creativity with writers, artists, musicians, and dancers – things associated with the arts. But creativity is a valuable skill that anyone can use, whether you’re being asked to look for an out-of-the-box solution at work, or just to come up with something fun and interesting to do with your friends this weekend. 

 

What are some quick things you can do to develop that creative habit?

 

1. Decide to be creative. As with anything, you’re never going to improve in an area until you sit down and decide that you’re going to. You must commit to being creative. Then set up a plan to carry out that commitment.

 

2. Specialize. It’s hard to see a creative solution to a problem you don’t understand. Take the time to educate yourself in the area where you wish to be creative. Learn it inside and out, and then examine it again, from the point of view that comes from understanding. 

 

3. Be curious. When something interests you, take note of it. Write down your questions. Use these as jumping off points when you’re looking to be creative.

 

4. Become a risk-taker. Don’t stick with the tried and true solutions. Ask yourself how you can do things differently? Then jump in and try things that way to see how they go.

 

5. Drop the negativity. By thinking you can’t find a solution, or that it’s impossible to be creative, you have already failed. Don’t create self-fulfilling prophecies. Instead, decide you will succeed, that the solution is already there.

 

6. Brainstorm. Throw out ideas, one after another. Get wild and crazy and see what sticks. The best creative ideas come out of the silly ones. 

 

7. Know there’s more than one right way to get something done. If something isn’t working, that doesn’t mean there’s no solution – only a solution you haven’t found yet. Keep trying. Look for the other ways things might work.

 

8. Look for inspiration. Spend time exploring other people’s creativity to stimulate your own. Visit art galleries. Listen to music. Read books. Explore the world around you and see what touches off a creative spark in you.

 

9. Let things snowball. Jump from one idea into another and another and another. See where the creative path takes you. Maybe you won’t find the solution to the problem you’re working on, but you might find the solution to something else, so jot down the best ideas that crop up.

 

Creativity doesn’t have to be out of reach, even if you tend to think of yourself as an un-creative person. By working to develop your creativity, you’ll enjoy more success in your work and home life and will learn new ways to think and do things. With so much benefit, isn’t it time to find that new and exciting more creative version of you?

 

Eat These 15 Foods to Make Focusing Your Mind a Breeze

The things we eat have the power to help our brains function at optimal levels or to sink us into the morass of fog and forgetfulness. Why? Some foods (like things overly processed or full of sugar) create inflammation in your brain, making it harder for you to do what needs to get done.

 

What foods will get your brain hopping?

 

1. Avocados

 

Rich in vitamins and minerals, avocados are excellent for memory and cognitive function. They also protect against blood clots in the brain, making this a superfood on many levels. 

 

2. Beets

 

Beets have many benefits. They knock back inflammation, give energy, and improve your blood flow to the brain, so you think better after eating them.

 

3. Blueberries

 

Full of antioxidants, and packed in goodness, blueberries are great to combat the effects of stress and aging on our brains. 

 

4. Bone Broth

 

Another food which fights inflammation, bone broth is one of those foods that helps enhance memory. But it also naturally boosts the immune system, meaning it helps your body heal and performs better overall. 

 

5. Broccoli

 

Keep memory on track with broccoli and enjoy all the other benefits from this vitamin-rich food at the same time. It’s also a great go-to for snacking.

 

6. Celery

 

We know celery is great for dieting, but did you know it’s full of antioxidants and also reduces inflammation? That’s a lot from this crunchy veggie.

 

7. Coconut Oil

 

Coconut oil is another food that aids to prevent memory loss as you age, making it an essential addition to your diet.

 

8. Dark Chocolate

 

Great as a dessert, dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive skills. Even better? This tasty treat helps lower your blood pressure. 

 

9. Egg Yolks

 

Choline in egg yolks is necessary to brain development before you’re even born. Even more interesting? Eggs affect the pleasure-inducing chemicals in your brains. 

 

10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Of all the foods listed here, this one can reverse age-related damage to the brain. Useful for enabling learning and making your memory better, using Extra Virgin Olive Oil means better health all around.

 

11. Green Leafy Vegetables

 

Worried about losing your memory with aging? Eating lots of green leafy vegetables will slow the process.

 

12. Rosemary

 

Not only does Rosemary protect your eyesight, but it also slows brain deterioration.

 

13. Salmon

 

Full of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon will make your thought processes clearer. No more brain fog! Salmon also enhances learning. 

 

14. Turmeric

 

Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and also enhances blood flood to the brain, leaving you more alert and better able to function. 

 

15. Walnuts

 

Studies have shown walnuts help to protect against Alzheimer’s, which is good news, especially to those who might be genetically predisposed to the disease. They also increase your ability to think clearly and keep your brain sharp.

The Many Benefits of Lifelong Learning

From the time we’re children, we’re pushed to learn things. By adulthood, most people are somewhat relieved when the learning portion of their lives is over. The problem is, saying goodbye to learning isn’t a good idea. There are so many benefits of lifelong learning, stopping with graduation, and a diploma would be a serious mistake.

 

What are some of those benefits?

 

Solutions Are Easier to Find

 

A brain kept sharp through continuous learning is going to be better at finding solutions to problems, in part because of better cognitive function. Also, because there’s just more knowledge available to draw on to find a solution. 

 

You Just Sound Smarter

 

When you constantly challenge yourself to find out new things, your conversation shows the effects. You’re more up on current events, and your ability to talk intelligently in social situations increases. Knowledge also raises your cred on social media, especially on sites such as LinkedIn, which is essential when job hunting.

 

You’re Better Prepared

 

Not sure what to do in a crisis? Spend time learning. By understanding the basics of first aid or how things are supposed to function in your workplace, you will be better able to handle an emergency.

 

You Mind Sparks

 

Looking for an idea or new perspective? Perhaps you want to be more creative? You can easily enhance each of those areas through learning. 

 

You Become a More Capable and Confident Employee

 

When you’re always learning in the workplace, you become more self-assured in your work, a feeling you’ll start carrying with you into other aspects of your life. It’s this attitude that gets you noticed, especially when the time comes for promotions.

 

It’s Good for Your Brain

 

Finally, perhaps one of the most important reasons for pursuing knowledge is that it’s good for your brain. Studies have shown a brain engaged and continuously challenged with new information is sharper, with better cognitive skills. The benefits don’t stop there. Learning means your brain keeps growing, creating new neural pathways. Learning things has also been proven to help prevent Alzheimer’s and other effects of dementia. It has even shown to reverse some of the impact of those issues as you age. No wonder it’s a good reason to keep learning as you grow older!

 

Lifelong learning is something to be pursued, not just because it’s ‘good for you’ like taking the proverbial vitamin pill. Chasing after learning can be both enlightening and fun and will serve you well throughout your entire life. With that in mind, it’s an easy decision to become a lifelong learner. Only through knowledge can you truly become your very best self.

 

6 Ways to Fire Up Your Creative Spark in 30 Minutes or Less

Not feeling very creative, but have a little time to try and boost that creative spark? Below you’ll find several tips that will set your brain back in motion in just 30 minutes or less!

 

1. Create something. By using your hands to create something new, you stimulate your brain to think creatively. Buy some modeling clay and see what you can make. Take up knitting or crocheting. Try baking something (especially bread dough that you can knead yourself). The key is to put your fingers in motion.

 

2. Get outside – specifically in a green space. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces stimulates the brain in numerous ways – one being in the areas associated with creativity. To get your fill of green, visit a park. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous take a hike. Have some space? Try gardening.

 

3. Spend time with your BFF. By getting together with someone you know well and have come to trust, you can relax and talk about the things that are really on your mind. Your BFF is the perfect person to brainstorm with, or even to talk out a problem. And who knows, they might even have the solution you’re seeking!

 

4. Try yoga. The gentle movements involved in yoga makes it an ideal exercise for anyone. But did you know that there were specific poses said to inspire creativity? Add to this the fact that yoga is known to reduce stress and relax the mind. That means it’s the perfect exercise for the person who is stuck and needsto find a creative spark.

 

5. Try something you’ve never done before. By experimenting with a new skill, or even a new recipe, you stimulate parts of the brain that you haven’t used in that way before. That inspires new connections in your neural networks, which are so necessary for creative thinking. 

 

6. Last but not least – take a nap. It could be that you’re just too tired to be creative. Half an hour is the perfect amount of time for a cat nap, to rest and recharge that brain!

 

Having a limited amount of time shouldn’t keep you from being creative. There’s a lot of things you can try in only 30 minutes or less. The key is to get your mind engaged in something new or interesting. Pay attention to what works, and then consider using whatever caused the spark to create a new habit. That will keep the creativity flowing year-round!

 

Overcoming Negative Thoughts

Everyone falls prey to negative thoughts sometimes. It’s like watching a movie that begins with clear skies and happiness and seeing it turn into dark clouds and horror. The bad thing is that there’s no eerie music to alert us when that turn takes place in our minds from positive to negative. We can only tune into our thoughts once in a while to see how we’re doing.

 

When you catch yourself thinking negatively there are a few things you can do – actually practice – that can help you overcome the negativity and get yourself into that “happy ending.”

 

1.  Adjust the tone of your voice, both inner and outer. When you find that your speaking or thinking tone is harsh and negative, change it to a lighter and more positive tone.

2.  Meditation. Finding some time for yourself to meditate or just relax and restore your energy levels can do wonders for your outlook. When you combine some yoga stretches or deep breathing, you can make bigger leaps.

3.  Smile. The best way to diffuse a negative situation is to smile – really smile, with your eyes and your entire face and demeanor. It can lift a mood almost instantaneously and help to relieve stress too (and it takes less facial muscles to smile than to frown).

4.  Help someone else. Becoming a benefactor to someone can fill your heart and mind with happiness. And, how can you think and project negative thoughts when you’re so happy?

5.  Keep a gratitude journal. Those who have had to overcome great obstacles in their lives say they kept and still do keep a gratitude journal and wrote a few things in it every day that they were grateful for. It helped to get them through bad times.

6.  Choose positive people to be around. You may have to work with negative people, and you may have some in your own family, but your friends that you choose can be positive ones who help you put things into perspective when you’re thinking negatively.

 

Do whatever works for you to lift your spirits and get you out of negative self-talk. Some people exercise. That gets the endorphins flowing and keeps you from becoming depressed.

 

Dancing and singing are also proven mood lifters. You don’t have to be good enough for “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars.” Just dance or sing unfiltered and see how the stress can melt away.

 

You are in charge of the choices you make in life and you can either choose to be a negative or a positive person to go through life.

 

7 Easy Ways to Think Positive and Change Your Life

Positive thinking can add so much to your life – and now we know that positive thinking can add years to your life. When you think positive, you get rid of stress and tend to live a healthier life and make better choices. If you’re naturally a negative thinker, there are ways you can change that thinking and get on the path to a life-changing way of thinking.

 

If you really want to begin to think positively and change your life for the better, look at the following ways you can incorporate into your own lifestyle:

 

1.  Be responsible for your thoughts. No one can tell you what to think or controls how you react to your thinking. When you begin to take responsibility for your thoughts, you’ll face the reality of what they’re doing to or for you and be more able to change those negative thoughts.

2.  Plan to think positively. So many of our thoughts come from the subconscious mind. When you plan to think positively, you won’t be as apt to take what you’re thinking as reality. Instead, you have the time and opportunity to think it over and come to the conclusion that reflects the reality of the situation.

3.  Avoid negative people. Negative people can ruin your best laid plans to think positively. They can feed the fire of self-doubt and anxiety. It can sometimes be classified as a crowd-mentality, so don’t fall prey to it. Think for yourself.

4.  Write down your thoughts. It’s helpful if you can see at the end of the day what your thoughts have been. For awhile, take the time to write them down. You’ll see what went wrong with your thoughts and be able to improve them.

5.  Consider the repercussions. For example, if you have a deadline for an assignment and it becomes clear that you’re not going to meet it, consider what might happen. If you finish it on time, it won’t be as good as you wanted. If you take more time, it may cause other problems. Also, consider solutions. For example, you could ask for an extension to the deadline.

6.  Minimize catastrophic thinking. Rather than thinking the worst about a situation, try to minimize it and lower your anxiety level by being practical about it. If you’re susceptible to those thoughts, avoid situations (such as television news) that might cause you anxious thinking.

7.  Live for the moment. When you spend too much time trying to guess or analyze the future, you’ll convince yourself of failure – especially if you’ve failed in the past. If you think you’ll fail, you probably will.

 

Accept the reality that you can control your thoughts. You’ll become more empowered to face stressful situations in your life and to change the way you think. It will become easier to maintain a positive attitude the more you practice thinking positively.

 

Why You Need to Know How to Think Critically

Do you ever wonder what heights you could rise to in your personal and professional life if you put all of your thinking into focus? So much of our brain capacity is unused and lying dormant. What if you knew the secret of thinking so that you life would improve tenfold and help you achieve all the goals you have in life?

 

Critical thinking is developed over time and is like learning any sport or art. You can’t just get up one morning and say, “I think I’ll become a critical thinker today.” No one can simply will it into happening. For many, it takes years to develop the critical thinking knack. In some older citizens, we call it, “wisdom.”

 

The only paths through which a person can develop insightful thinking are by knowing and accepting the truth that there are flaws in your thinking. You must also constantly practice becoming a thinker who can effectively solve problems through logical thinking rather than emotions.

 

Becoming a critical thinker can help you develop strategies where you overcome the obstacles that life presents. Here are some obstacles you may want to obliterate from your life – and that’s possible with critical thinking:

 

·    Analyze the influences in your life. Learn to make your own decisions rather than falling under those influences.

·    Get your ego under control. Your ego may be keeping you back from advancing at work and from developing better relationships. Critical thinking can help you think without the influence of an inflated ego.

·    Solve problems. Being too scattered to solve problems and “thinking” with emotions usually doesn’t solve anything. Using critical thinking can help you get in touch with your emotions and solve problems through logical thinking.

·    Stop wasting time. You may be wasting entire days of productivity by going in many directions at once. We may not actually be enjoying anything we do to waste time because we know we’re going to be behind on our work or frustrated about wasting the day. Critical thinking can teach you how to evaluate your time and spend it wisely.

 

We all have great capacity to think critically and to improve our lives immensely, but most of the time, it’s dormant. That’s because it’s undeveloped. We can make it better with practice, just as we would when learning a musical instrument or sport.

 

Non-critical thinking is a habit that we’re not even mindful of most of the time. We sit, staring at a mindless program on television, playing mindless video games or engaging in gossip or other pursuits that don’t require critical thinking.

 

If you want to develop the traits of a critical thinker, know that you must study and research – then, put what you’ve learned into practice on a daily basis. It’s worth the effort.