8 Daily Mental Workouts to Stimulate the Mind.
The brain is a huge super computer capable of remarkable memory if you train it correctly. Who among us couldn’t take advantage of a more robust memory. Does it get awkward forgetting day to day tasks, or perhaps names, anniversaries or birthdays? Enhanced memory can boost your other functionalities as well giving you more access to information that may help you in other areas. So as you have lunch today practice memorizing the items on the menu or introduce yourself to new people today and write down their names what you remember about them when you get home. Make it fun.
Use tax season as a reason now to get stronger in Math. Practicing the basic principles of math will help solidify your financial future. It would be wise not to outsource your personal finance completely, remember Madoff, the SEC couldn’t nail him despite his very fuzzy math. Learning the fundamentals of interest rate calculations on your credit cards, mortgage and investment vehicles will save you lots of money down the road. Seek to understand the principles behind the time value of money.
New research every year provides newer insight to how our brain functions, the old conventional wisdom that our brain had to remain the same and deteriorate over time has now been discredited. The brain is a jelly-like substance that loves to soak up new information like a sponge. It’s elastic and flexible for a reason so you can switch gears if need be. Stretch it out by taking the opposite side on a controversial topic. Pretend you are behind the wheel on the journey called life, put the car in neutral and consider the middle ground then go in full reverse, consider the argument for the other side completely then take back the wheel on your journey, you can stay the course or take a turn, either way you would be the wiser for it.
Since our brain has such a huge workload, it’s important it to exercise it daily. That exercise can also be in the shape of total relaxation. When you can tear yourself away from the world for 15 mins, find a comfortable seating position, close your eyes and focus all your energy on taking deep breaths. As you pull the air through your nostrils, concentrate intently and feel the air is cold coming in and leaves hot. Make use of all your senses, visualize the cold air you are breathing in will bring you new connections, new ideas, new solutions. Then calmly breathe out the hot air that represents all your worries and anxieties. Then just allow your mind to be at total peace. It’s earned a much deserved rest.
The brain must remain cognitively challenged to perform at it peak. It needs constant stimulation which means increased blood flow and oxygen throughout the body. Think of some task you have been doing the same way for ages. The brain can get intrinsically lazy if it has performed the same task the same way for a long time. It needs new information to stay stimulated. Research some new information, alternate sources and reports, any applicable ways as it pertains to that function only. Re-ignite your brain stimuli and get the blood pumping again.
Yoga is great for the mind. It will make you feel totally rejuvenated and relaxed, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Yoga will keep the stress away in an ever increasing world of pressure and deadlines. The key is learning to gain greater control of your breathing meaning improved circulation in your whole body. Anybody can do it, over-weight or in great shape, it can benefit all. Yoga brings excellent physical and mental benefits. Practice at home or find a local yoga studio and make some new friends.
Stimulate your brain by learning a new language. Myths that the brain has to deteriorate and lose connections permanently as you get older have been discounted. Keep your brain young and alive by learning new things continuously, it will stimulate your neurons into greater connections. Just like back in high school, learn a new language and practice stretching the brain. Open up new connections and expand the elastic mind. The brain thrives on challenging new things, language is indeed music to the brain.
High level cognitive games serve to challenge the brain’s highest functionalities. There are numerous brain games around these days both offline and online, nobody is asking you to practice an IQ test. But consider a few board games around strategy and higher level cognitive function. Online searches give you numerous options to play solo or in online groups whatever suits you best. Chess is played for master strategy, Sudoku will push your numeral logic neurons, Connect Four and Mastermind are also great options. The goal is to tap into that higher level brain power. Have some fun with it.
Find out more about starting aDaily Mental Workout, Henry Okwo is serial entrepreneur and will help you with your Personal Development to pursue your goals.
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