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Grey Matter


     

     Well, tao of joy has covered quite a bit on body and soul and soul searching does bring up questions of what is conciousness, different states of conciousness, energy, life and even life after death. But what about what we can do for our brain?

Your brain is your mission control for your nervous system, it recieves input from your senses and outputs it to your muscles. Some people say, your brain is like a muscle and you can train it as such, to do more and be more. 

Indeed, the message we keep recieving from fully functioning centenarians is to use it or lose it. Recently, something has been discovered called neuroplasticty, the ability of the brain to be flexible, with many promising outcomes of brain-training, even for instance to recover from a stroke, or sense things in case of blindness.

Not only that but some specialist activities have already been researched that can improve your brain power faster and better than others. Which is what we are going to explore here. Following are 8 activities you can try to boost your brain  power and afterwards a list of 10 foods and supplemements to support your brain health. 

I hope from reading this that you can improve your cognition and be intinsically rewarded in the joy of memory, cognition and intelligence. Say, skin-head, I am using that. 

Activities






Physical Exercise

Physical exercise has many benefits. You can watch your favourite show after working out if you like, but there are many intrinsic rewards of exercise. Exercise releases feel-good endorphines and oxygen into your body and brain. It encourages the growth of new brain cells and can help you to feel younger for longer. These same chemicals make you more relaxed and alert.  Not only that but if you exercise in the sunshine you will also be getting the necessary vitamin D that your body needs. Physical exercise may in some cases be just as effective as medications in case of depression, anxiety and adhd. Exercise should work off stress, improve memory and quality of sleep and lastly it should tone your muscles and help you lose weight. 

Learning a second language


This method for boosting brainnpower is tried and true with many studies to prove it. Learning a new language builds new neural networks and increases flexiblity.  Learning a second language makes you more intelligent, it also helps to prevent alzheimers. People who are bilingual have superior focus, concentration and attention. They are also more likely to demonstrate grit. There are many apps available for learning a second language, so perhaps you would like to do that on your commute or break at work. 

Art, Sewing and Carpentry


Creative activities such as art, sewing and carpentry are great for the brain. These activities are ideal because  you can challenge yourself more as you go along. Start with something simple and work your way toward expertise. Sewing and carpentry improves your dexterity and focus and lowers the risk's of demetia. Art, sewing and carpentry are therepeutic. You may find you are a happier person, more focused and tuned if you commit to one of these as a hobby. 

Music


Simply listening to music can improve your IQ. Whilst playing a musical instrument is a complete brain workout that can actually grow the hippocampus. Listening to new music rather than just your faves from the 60's challenges your brain further. Music is good for anxiety, mood, and memory. Muso's are brainy!

 

Taxi driving

This works the same way learning a musical instrument does, and can grow the hippocampus. It is the complex thought undertaken in learning to map say the whole city that gives you a complete brain workout.

Digital Photography.

Digital photography uses both sides of the brain. Both creative and technical. You'll probably be outdoors moving around to do photography as well and we know that, that is good for our brain, plus, your subjects can be very interesting and we all know curiosity is good, well for your brain.

Dancing.

Well, I had to add dancing, it is fun for a start, it can involve learning, music, coordination, exercise and beauty. 

I hope that you find some of these activities inspiring and good for your brain. If you have any comments on these or other activities you think are good for the brain, they would be most welcome.,

Foods and Supplements to Support Cognition. 



Fish oil

Omega 3 fatty acids support the brain cell membranes. They are critical to growth and the health of your heart. If  you cannot handle eating sardines, say, then you must take a fish oil supplement. It may also help in cases of joint pain and arthritus.

Coffee

The main component that affects your brain is caffiene. It may effect: mood, stamina, attention and learning.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It boosts levels of the brain hormone, BDNF, or Brain derived neurotrophic factor. It is a type of growth  hormone, miraculously, it helps your brain generate new neurons.

Tumeric can also contribute to heart health and possibly preventing or treating cancer. It may help to prevent alzheimers disease. It seems to help with arthritus and benefit in case of depression. It may also help with anti-aging and to ward off chronic disease.

Broccoli

Contains vitamin K and Choline which is good for your memory

Dark Chocolate

Makes you happy and improves blood-flow to the brain. 

Nuts

Contain polyunsaturates, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients which can all contribute to the health of your brain. 

Eggs

An easy way to get your daily dose of choline, which supports memory in the brain. 

Ginseng

Can improve memory, behaviour and mood. It is an antioxidant, immune booster,  and can help with symptoms of fatigue. It may lower blood pressure. Please do not take anything without medical advise, too much ginseng can have adverse effects. 

Folate

Found in wholegrains, it boosts blood flow to the brain. Using unprocessed wholegrains keep your sugars and mood stable. Try to stay away from processed foods. 

Bananas

Can provide enough glucose to support your brain for the whole day!

Also don't skip bteakfast, breakfast helps to sustain your energy all day. 

Well, most of these foods are pretty yummy and good for your brain as well as your body. Do you have a favourite food that helps you with energy, how do you feel about your morning cup of coffee?


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