Maximum Brain Power: 7 Ways to Improve Your Cognitive Function
Maximum Brain Power – Everybody wants to be at their absolute best, and the easiest way to do that is with a healthy brain. A healthy brain can help you sleep better, think more clearly and feel happier. But how do we keep our brains in peak shape? Some call these lifestyle tips. Others refer to them as bio-hacks. Regardless, they’re going to improve your cognitive functions and keep your brain in tip-top shape.
From better habits to natural brain health supplements, there’s something for everyone on this list. Here are seven of the very best ways to improve cognitive function:
Table of Contents
1) Eat Right
Your brain is on fire. Your neurons are firing at lightning speeds, and neurotransmitters are zipping through your synapses like a drag racer. But, without the correct fuel, this engine can’t run, and it will sputter to a halt. So what’s the right fuel for our minds? Healthy fats, lean proteins and unrefined carbohydrates from whole food sources.
For example, the brain needs healthy omega-3 fatty acids to run at full capacity. This can be found in salmon, walnuts and flax seeds, among other things. Unfortunately, most brains don’t get enough of these essential fats, leading to brain fog.
Other must-haves include B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium. All of these can be found in unprocessed foods like wild-caught fish, berries and dark leafy greens.
2) Use Supplements
Sometimes, no matter how healthy we eat and live, the brain just needs a little boost. This can be for several reasons, from genetic makeup to temporarily elevated stress levels. Natural mood-enhancing supplements can be a powerful ally for keeping the brain sharp and in top form. In addition, they help tackle issues such as relieving brain fog that can contribute to procrastination while protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
3) Physical Exercise
Regularly working out and sweating positively affects the body, including the brain. Remember those neurotransmitters we talked about? They’re at work taking care of mood regulation, focus, attention span and memory formation.
Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, resulting in better oxygenation, leading to increased levels of those feel-good neurotransmitters. It’s also been shown to lower stress levels, which can cause brain fog and fatigue. In addition, during physical exercise, the brain gets a boost in serotonin and norepinephrine — the chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.
4) Sleep More
Around 13% of workplace injuries are attributed to fatigue in the U.S., and over 35% of American adults aren’t getting enough sleep. We operate in a culture that prizes sleep deprivation, but studies show that lack of sleep is bad for physical health and cognitive function. When we’re tired, our brains don’t work as well. Our reaction times slow down, our attention span shortens and our memory formation decreases.
It’s no wonder productivity decreases when we’re tired. Sleep is an absolute must if you want to be at maximum brainpower. It also supports healthy lifestyle habits by reinforcing good bedtime rituals, including calming activities. When you hit the hay, make sure youre not on your smartphone, as those blue lights interfere with melatonin production.
Its also essential to keep a consistent sleep schedule and maintain a comfortable temperature in your bedroom. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, depending on what’s right for you.
If you’re struggling with insomnia, consider trying a natural magnesium supplement for sleep. Magnesium is a natural sleep aid that helps relax the muscles and calm the mind. It’s a mineral that our bodies need to function correctly, and many people are deficient in it. By taking magnesium supplements before bed, you’ll likely notice that within a few weeks, your sleep patterns will improve.
5) Hydrate
Hydration has a huge influence on the brain function. It’s even been suggested that being hydrated can improve cognitive ability more than caffeine or other energy boosters. To get the most out of your brain, you need to keep the fluids coming. And the good news is, you don’t need to rely solely on plain water to get the job done. Mix it up with herbal infusions, lemon water and antioxidant-rich green tea.
You can also increase your brainpower by replacing sugary soda, juice or sports drinks with something simple like carbonated water or high-quality electrolyte replacements like coconut water.
6) Challenge Your Brain Daily
Cognitive exercises are an easy way to improve cognitive function. Try playing games that require strategic thinking, planning and increasing your processing speed. Puzzles and brainteasers are other great ways to improve cognitive function and sharpen your skills.
There are a lot of apps available for download that are great for keeping the brain in shape, whether you’re trying to improve memory, fight off symptoms of Alzheimer’s or increase your IQ. It would be surprising if you couldn’t find an app that suited your needs and interests with so many out there. Whether you love crosswords or Sudoku, try incorporating one into your routine daily.
7) Keep Learning
We’re all familiar with the saying “use it or lose it,” and that”s precisely how brainpower works. The more you learn and experience life, the better your brain will function. But, as we age, our brain becomes less able to learn new things as it loses plasticity — its ability to form new neural connections. So learning something new is a fantastic way to keep the mind more pliable, and it’s never too late. Try learning a language, developing a new hobby like photography or cultivating a new skill set like woodworking or programming.
Put in the Effort
The strategies in this article are all about maximizing your brainpower. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll be able to stay sharp and motivated while achieving maximum productivity. But don’t forget that it takes work! You won’t see any results by reading this article alone––you’ve got to put effort into making these changes if you want them to stick. Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.