The mind is not like a pair of shoes or car tires which get worn out the more they are used. Utilizing your brain all the time is the secret to keeping it strong, sharp and healthy. No matter if you’re a teenager or already in the prime of your life, it’s important to constantly look for ways to keep your mind in tip-top shape.
Well, you need not look further. Below are some of the most mind-blowingly simple tips on how to sharpen your mind and keep it that way. Read on!
Don’t Cross Out Crossword Puzzles on Your List of Pastimes
Crossword puzzles are some of the most accessible exercise tools for the mind. Opt for challenging ones that get your brain to work really hard. If you’re through with what’s on the newspaper, log on the web and print free crossword puzzles.
Get Your Game on and Play Video Games
Video games are fun and exciting, and they’re great time-killers too. It’s a great idea to opt for action-packed games that requires you to think and act fast. You really don’t have to shell out a huge sum of cash for one of those expensive gaming consoles. There are plenty of games available for free that you may install on your smart phone.
Spend Some Time Watching Head-Scratching Movies
The more mind-twisting the plot, the better it is for the brain. Evidently, movies that make you wonder what you just saw make the brain spring into action. Documentaries are also very good for keeping the mind sharp as well as widening your knowledge. Many of them are eye-openers that also help change your mindset for the better.
Work Out Your Body to Keep the Brain in a Great Shape
Naturally, your brain needs to be supplied with sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients in order to stay healthy. Working out helps improve the blood flow to all parts of your body, and that includes your gray matter.
Put on Your Dancing Shoes and Move to the Groove
As mentioned earlier, working out is good for the brain. There’s one form of exercise that is very good at keeping the mind healthy: dancing. While you’re working out those, leg, arm and abdominal muscles of yours, dancing keeps your brain in tip-top shape because it lets you express yourself creatively, which is a great exercise for the mind.
Do Yoga Poses to Fortify Both Your Body and Mind
Stress can wreak havoc not only on your body but also the mind. One of the best stress-busters on the planet is yoga. It’s a great workout that relaxes the mind, and allows you to connect to yourself as well as everything else around you.
Engage in Sports and Smash, Steal, Dribble, Block, Swing or Kick
Various sports like tennis, basketball, water polo and volleyball are good for the body. Learning, remembering and following the rules is good for the mind. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter — engaging in sports makes your mind a winner!
Learn Something New and Strive to be Good at It
Study a new language. Make your vocabulary bigger and bigger each day, and always familiarize yourself with new common phrases. Learn how to play a musical instrument. Know how to read music and don’t be afraid to make your own music. Your brain will only keep getting stronger and stronger the more you strive to master new things.
Consume Foods that are Packed with Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent your cells from being damaged by free radicals. It’s a wonderful idea to include in your everyday diet foods that are loaded with antioxidants to keep the brain cells free from those harmful free radicals. All fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in antioxidants. The best sources, however, include: prunes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cloves, pinto beans, walnuts, tomatoes, peaches, bell peppers, plums, spinach and cherries.
Load up on Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are good fats that are beneficial for the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids promote better blood circulation to the brain and increase the production of neurotransmitters. They also insulate the brain cells so that they may be able to communicate with one another better. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are: oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines, oysters, flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts and soybeans.
