The Brain as a Powerhouse
The brain is a powerhouse because it enables you to carry out all life functions and be able to process the world around you. However, a powerhouse requires power to be powerful. Having mental acuity will make it easier for you to learn, remember, and problem-solve. Achieving mental acuity requires work. You may have heard the myth that some people are simply born mentally sharp or dull. The reality is that mental acuity can be increased with exercising the brain and body just like arm muscle mass can be increased by lifting weights.
How to Power Up the Powerhouse
•Learn New Skills and Facts
The human brain contains billions of neurons. Mental acuity comes from connections between neurons. Unused neural connections deteriorate and eventually disappear. Using your brain by constantly learning new skills and facts prevents the neural connections from deteriorating and disappearing.
•Physical Activity
Exercising your body is also exercising your mind. Exercise increases the blood flow to essential parts of the brain, promotes the grows of new neurons, and helps bridge new connections between neurons. The other benefits of exercise (e.g. lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and balanced blood sugar) helps mental magic happen quicker and more efficiently.
•Establish Fulfilling Relationships with Others
People who have fulfilling relationships with others tend to have lower rates of dementia than those who do not. Having fulfilling relationships with others provides emotional support, people do to fun activities with, and the opportunity to learn from other people. If you do not have a lot of immediate family members of close friends, joining activities, classes, clubs, or support groups can help you find friends.
•Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish nuts, olive oil, and plant-based proteins will reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
•Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is underrated but vital because it is the body and mind’s way of recharging. One of the scientific theories for why humans and other organisms sleep is to consolidate memories. The recommended amount of sleep for adults to perform at their Neuro Peak is seven to nine hours.
•Avoid Harmful Substances
While alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs may offer short-term pleasure, but they also offer many long-term negative consequences. Alcohol and other drugs make stunt the growth of new neurons, decrease connections, and kill existing neurons.
•Reduce the Risk of Head Injuries
Head injuries (e.g. concussions) increase the risk of cognitive issues in later years. Protecting your head by wearing a helmet when you bike ride, wearing a seatbelt when riding in a car, and avoiding dangerous situations can reduce the risk of head injuries.
•Do Brain Activities
In addition to learning, doing brain activities (e.g. puzzles, memory games, speed games, etc.) will increase cognitive abilities because they require using cognitive skills that may not be used otherwise.
•Care for Your Mental and Emotional Health
Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. Even if you do not have a major life problem, having a mental health counselor on hand is helpful to help you make sure your mental and emotional health is in-check. If you are having a major life problem, you do not have to go through it alone. The right mental health counselor can help you sort through it.
Mental Health Matters
A wise saying says, “If there is no mental health, there is no health at all.” Physical health is important, but it cannot be put use if the mind is not fulfilling its potential. Often, mental health influences physical health. If the mind is in distress, parts of the body (e.g. circulatory system) will be affected. The mind is the key to living life. Humans are different from other animals to their higher-level cognitive abilities. Mental magic is required to make life magical.