Since we were young kids for many of us, one of the superpowers we always wanted to have is using 100% of our brains. That will make us invisible, which results in accomplishing extraordinary tasks. Can we really increase our brain activity? Can we think faster and better in order to think more rational? Can we learn new skills that we could not before? Read to find out the answers to these questions.
First and foremost let’s talk about what the brain is exactly. Basically is the most complex organ of your body and it controls your nervous system. The neurons that are connected via the synapses to one another receive and send information to the body for every movement you do or every thought you have. It only takes 2% of your whole body weight but it uses 20% of your body’s energy. You can’t really blame it. It controls every action you do. By the way the “We use only 10% of our brain” statement that Einstein said back in the days, it’s just a myth. Technology didn’t exist and we couldn’t verify it. Now we do and we know that we use 100% of our brains because as we said above it controls everything. Some people are born smarter than others but that doesn’t mean someone who is less intelligent can’t become better and even better than the other person. Scientists found that the brain is like the body. The more you practice it the better it becomes. This is called Neuroplasticity. Learning new things, improving memory and even recovering from brain damages are all possible. There are plenty of people that they are examples of these cases. For some of you it may seem crazy but believe me, I tried these ways that I’m gonna tell you later on and I experienced a big difference in everything. I had the worst memory and sometimes creativity. Also I was thinking and acting quite fast but not that fast so I needed improvement there too.
Some of you may think: “What do I mean with everything?” Here is a list of the sections I noticed improvements:
- Memory
- Focus
- Creativity
- Thinking faster
- Thinking clearer
- Concentration
- Problem solving
- Attention
- Flexibility (adapting to new situations quickly)
- Multi-tasking
Now it’s time for the fun stuff. There are plenty ways to help you improve your brain function. I’m gonna tell you the ones I tried and worked for me. It doesn’t mean that everything will work the same way for you so it’s better to find the ones that work the best for you.
Probably I said it plenty of times but that’s how it works. Exercise and meditate regularly. Meditation trains the body and the mind in harmony and we talked about the benefits of it before. When meditating, try to focus on your breathing and clear your mind. But don’t neglect exercising. It also trains the brain to stay healthy and sharp. Reduces stress, reduces depression, improves mood, speeds up your thinking, helps with growing new brain cells and many more.
Something that many people forget is sleeping, which helps to stay healthy in general. Like the body needs resting, so does the brain. If you get really exhausted your brain won’t work at its full potential, therefore you won’t be creative. Also sleeping improves memory and learning whatever is that you study.
Fun fact: When yawning your brain inhales air to cool down like a laptop uses fans and not because you need sleep. You can be either exhausted or bored.
The best way to train your brain is by playing regularly games that improve your mental abilities. The most well-known and best mobile app is Lumosity. I also recommend Fit Brains, NeuroNation and any kind of puzzle games like riddles, anagrams, tangrams, Sudoku etc. They help you think better and faster by testing you with games.
Work early in the morning. As soon as you wake up properly start working on the hardest stuff and the ones that consume more energy. Remove any distractions like social media, telephones etc. They will drain your energy and you won’t have enough for the tasks that need to be done. It may seem crazy to you but even thinking about food or eating requires energy. Finish a few tasks and then do everything else. Check your messages or news feed later on.
For those that like reading, listening and watching new ideas or interesting stuff, internet provides you with never-ending information. You can watch YouTube videos, read blogs/e-books, listen to podcasts/audio books, take different kind of courses or just buy and read physical books. Whichever way you prefer learning, you will learn a lot. Something that covers every subject is TED Talks. As for the others, it depends on your preferences. Some other recommendations are our blog, The Tim Ferriss Show & 4 Hour Workweek, Big Think, The Life Coach School, The School of Greatness, Becoming Superhuman, The Chalene Show, The Model Health Show, Betterhumanology, Ben Greenfield, Entrepreneur on Fire, Tai Lopez, The Feel Good Lifestyle, Crash Course, Entrepreneur, Vsauce (1,2 and 3), The School of Life, Coursera, Udemy, Alison and EdX. There are plenty to choose from.
Another great way to become smarter and at the same time learn something new, which is also fun, is learning a new skill like speed reading, learning a new language and/or learning a new instrument. They will improve your memory, concentration, creativity, you will learn something that you like and all that in a fun way.
Lastly let’s talk food and beverages that can boost your brain functionality.
- Blueberries
If not the best fruit at least one of the best. It reduces the brain aging process, improves problem-solving, memory, attention, concentration and makes you think sharper. - Avocado
It improves cognitive function, blood flow in the body and promotes brain health in general. - Cauliflower
It helps in transmitting nerve signals, functioning of the brain and protects the brain from toxins and memory decline. - Raw cacao
One of the best choices for hot beverages. It improves verbal fluency, visual abilities, attention, boosts your energy, increases blood flow in the brain and can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. - Dark chocolate
Another type of chocolate with amazing powers. It’s an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant product. It also increases the blood flow and your focus. - Green Tea
Another great choice for hot beverages. It will give you a smaller amount of caffeine that you get from coffee but it has more benefits too. It improves mood, reaction time, memory and cognition while protecting you from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. - Ginkgo biloba
Everyone talks about its magic powers on the brain. It improves the blood circulation in the brain, alertness, concentration and fights memory loss.
Tip: Green tea with Ginkgo biloba; the best combination for hot beverage.
- Omega 3
It improves cognition and memory, fights depression and anger, improves mood and fights Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources: olive oil, coconut oil, salmon, sardines, beef, flax-seed oil - Vitamin E
It repairs damaged membranes of the brain and fights cognitive decline while you age.
Sources: brazil nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, flax seeds - Magnesium
The muscle relaxing mineral. Plus it improves your brain flexibility.
Sources: leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fish, bananas
Who doesn’t want to be Limitless like the character in the movie? And if you haven’t watched this movie yet, do so, it’s awesome and inspiring. Now you can also be limitless (in a slower way though) and in a natural way. Do these adjustments in your lifestyle and experience your brain’s performance taken to a higher level.
Share this article to inform more people and tell us your thoughts in the comments below: Do you prefer improving your IQ or your EQ (Emotional Intelligence)? Did you try the above ways and experience any progress? Do you have any other learning ways to suggest? What books, blogs, podcasts etc. helped you the most on improving?