Advertisement
Your brain is a powerful thing. It controls everything you think, do, and say. You can’t touch it or see it, but it’s there in your head controlling every beat of your heart. One day scientists may be able to transplant brains from one person to another, maybe even from animals! But for now, the only way to make your brain better is through good old-fashioned hard work. You can’t rely on expensive brain pills or snake oil remedies to succeed in life, only the power of your own brain will get you there.
Check out these tips for making sure that your brain is working at its best!
 Good brain food
Your brain is a pretty hungry organ. Every time you starve it, you make it slower and dumber. Nutritionists have been saying for years that the best way to get enough of what your brain needs is to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables – blueberries are especially good as they protect the body from free radicals which age or brain. Coffee is also known to give the brain a boost, but it has its downsides too – for example, caffeine can make you anxious or jittery if you don’t drink enough. If you want an instant mental pick-me-up, remember that chocolate does contain lots of antioxidants and polyphenols which give your brain both caffeine and theobromine – both of which boost your brainpower.
 Get moving!
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it couldn’t be more true! Sometimes when you’re feeling tired or unfocused it’s because you haven’t been active enough. Your body needs exercise to work efficiently and your brain is the same. There have been scientific studies that prove that exercising can make your brain not only better at mathematical problems but also give it better memory. Even little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting off the bus a stop early, or dancing to music improve your overall brain function – trust me!
Get enough sleep
Your body needs time to heal and repair itself, and that includes your brain. If you are tired or even just a little bit run down, you won’t be able to think as clearly as someone who gets enough sleep – it really is that simple! Even if you’re not sleeping well the night before an important exam, try not to worry because experts say that mental exhaustion can sometimes result in mental clarity. The brain can work through almost any lack of sleep and when you’re rested, your brain will be better able to handle whatever life throws at it.
Practice makes perfect!
You’ve probably always been told that practice isn’t everything and talent is what counts… But the truth is actually the other way around: practice really, really does make perfect. By repeating things over and over again you can become better at almost anything – from football to computer programming to chess or memory training your brain, it’s all about pushing yourself a little further each time! Even if you make mistakes along the way, try not to worry because by trying you’re making connections in your brain that will help you in the future. The more you practice, the better your brain gets at certain tasks.
Socialize!
If there’s one thing that makes your brain happier than anything else, it’s interacting with other people! You don’t have to join a crowd or take up extra-curricular activities but small acts like smiling, saying hello, and talking to friends can make all the difference. Even hanging out with someone who is shy or nervous can be helpful – while they may not say much themselves, listening to someone else talk can help your brain become more attentive and listen better in the future! But don’t feel like you always have to speak up: sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and let your brain do the thinking for you!
Get into a routine!
When it comes to your mental health, consistency is everything. It’s better for your body and it’s better for your brain. Whenever you’re conscious but not actively using it, your brain should be put to good use by putting it into a routine. Whether it’s doing the dishes, cleaning out your room, or talking with friends, there are lots of little things you can do every day to make sure your brain is making good connections – not only for today but for tomorrow too!
Relaxation time!
Life gets hectic sometimes and whether you’re balancing school work and a part-time job or you’re in the middle of exams, it’s easy to feel like every moment is precious. But sometimes (though it may be difficult) you need to make time for yourself! No matter how busy life gets, never forget to take some time out – even if you spend 10 minutes meditating or watching your favorite TV show, it’s important to let your brain recharge.
Forgive yourself!
One of the biggest things that can affect your mental health is guilt – especially if it’s holding you back from doing what you want. Whenever something bad happens or something goes wrong, try to remember this: everyone makes mistakes sometimes, including you. Regardless of whether you made a mistake or not, it’s okay to forgive yourself and move on. Open up and talk about any problems you’re having and after some time, your brain will be able to sort out all the good from the bad – even if they both happened at the same time!
Take regular time-outs!
Especially in the world we live in today, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all sorts of distractions. Whether you’re spending time online or simply rushing around town trying to get things done, sometimes your brain needs a break! Try taking regular ‘time-outs’ to do things that excite and inspire you; whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument or simply enjoying being in nature, it is important to remember the little things.
Sometimes life gets tough but if you can keep a positive attitude and persevere through it all, your brain will be able to handle whatever comes its way!