The most evolved and fascinating organ found in nature is the human brain. Despite centuries of research on the brain, scientists still have so many unanswered questions. Every single day, scientists are discovering new mind-blowing things about the brain. All of the functions of our body, right from organ functioning, information processing and emotions are coordinated by the brain.
Just like the heart, the brain hardly rests, and is even working when we’re asleep or idle. Though the brain gets enough of exercise on its own, there is so much of untapped potential that is still hidden in the brain. Find out how you could unlock your brain’s potential to the fullest in this article.
How capable is the Brain?
First thing’s, first – let’s clear up the fact that “we use only 10 percent of our brain”, is a myth. In fact, we use majority of our brain all the time – even when we’re asleep or just taking rest. The brain has different regions for different functions. They are activated whenever we perform action relevant to them.
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Studies have also shown the more you use your brain, the more it expands its capacities – a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. It adapts to situations, creating new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis. The brain also establishes new connections between the existing cells through nerve fibers called dendrites and axons. These are similar to electric conducting wires- the more connections, the faster information is passed on and processed.
To get a clearer picture- there are an estimated 100 billion brain cells (neurons) in the brain, and each could make up to 1000 connections with other neurons. Throughout our lives, hardly even a small fraction of these connections is made.
What can you do to “unlock” your brain’s potential?
As we age, there might a slight decline in the brain’s performance. But with the right “training”, this age-related decline can be prevented. According to a 2008 review by the UK government called “Mental Capital and Wellbeing”, gains from cognitive training (improved memory, faster information processing, reasoning skills) last for at least 5 years. Here are ways to do cognitive training.
Learn new skills
Making yourself constantly learn new skills encourages the brain to keep producing new cells and connections. In the same way, if you are mentally lazy, the brain lets the unused brains cells and connections die. This is just like losing your muscle mass you got after you stop working out. New interests can be anything, ranging from learning a new musical instrument, learning a new language, playing chess, arts & crafts, a new subject, or even movies & soap operas. In simple words, keep your brain busy – if you don’t use ‘em, you lose ‘em.
Cross-train the brain
You might’ve heard of cross-training as something athletes do. It’s training themselves in some other sport other than their main sport. This helps athletes improve strength, endurance and agility. Just like athletes need to train physically, we all need to train our brains mentally. When you are training your brain, you need to work on the six cognitive areas – general memory, attention and focus, reasoning, processing speed, verbal skills, and numerical skills. Spend about 10 minutes a day to train your brain, you’ll notice a marked difference in just a few months.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep all contribute to proper cognitive functioning. Include more fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish. Avoid smoking and drinking – they’re not just bad for your body, but your brain cells too. Studies show that exercise improves neurogenesis. So every time you’re working out, you create new brain cells. When you sleep, the brain reorganizes ad makes neural connections of all the information you’ve obtained in the day. This strengthens your memory retention. Also try meditating for 10 minutes everyday – it increases information processing ability ad also slows down brain “aging”.
Stay curious
Make a habit of questioning even the obvious. The more you wonder, the more the brain is made to think and innovate. In the words of Albert Einstein – “Curiosity is more important than knowledge.”
Think positive!
Studies have shown that stress takes a big toll on the brain. It stops new brain cells from being created, and might even kill the existing ones too. So try keeping those negative thoughts at bay, and stay positive!
Remember there is nothing you could achieve. The more you could push yourself, the more you are capable of. It’s all in your brain!
