We all know that exercise builds muscle and strength. Exercise is important for stamina and a healthier, happier you. However, many people do not realize just how important it is to exercise the mind as well as the body. If we treat our brain like a muscle, it will serve us well through a long, productive life. Like a muscle, the brain needs a specialized set of exercises to make it stronger. You can actually increase your brainpower through these exercises.

– Games: Games like chess or card games like spades challenge our brains and help build and strengthen neurons. Neurons have axons and dendrites that involve circuits and improve memory.

– Puzzles: Puzzles are like push-ups for the brain. They strengthen and expand our mental capabilities. This is the way stamina is built.

– Books: Reading a book that is not only interesting but challenges you to think, like a good who done it, books are great brain exercisers that helps you to be creative and think outside the box.

– Learn something new: Make it a point to learn one new language in your lifetime.

– Music: Music stimulates brain activity and strengthens the connections in the brain.

The Growth Process

Our brains continue to grow and develop throughout childhood. When we reach puberty, however, the development and formation of new connections in the brain slows down dramatically. Participating in the exercises above helps us to strengthen those connections and keeps our brains functioning at peak capacity. One of the most important aspects of quality of life when we are older is the ability to think, reason, and remember. Without this, we are prone to age dementia and will not be able to enjoy our lives to the fullest.

Be Brain Active

We now realize that the best way to learn is through reading and doing. Activities like watching television are not conducive to learning. Even educational TV, while interesting, does nothing to improve the brains power and should be limited. When we are much older, our brain can still establish new connections at a much slower rate, however, the more we exercise our brains, the faster and stronger it can establish these connections. It is important to exercise our brains as well as our bodies if we want to enjoy our retirement years and beyond to their most productive extent.

Feed The Need

Five hours a week working crossword or logic puzzles is better than a years worth of television when it comes to increasing our ability to learn and remember. As we grow older, memory becomes more important than ever. Like the body, we have to feed our brain the kind of food it needs to exercise. Omega 3 fatty acids and B complex vitamins are very good for our brain and should be eaten at least three times a week. Snacks like walnuts and almonds are also excellent sources of these types of brain food and allow you to get the most from your exercises.

Enjoy Your Workouts

Have fun while you exercise your brain. Creative writing or even ballroom dancing are activities that expand the mind and ensure a healthier brain as we grow old. An active brain is a happy brain, so keep your thinking cap on and stay away from that television. If you must watch, do so with a crossword puzzle by your side.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: B complex vitamins,Omega 3 fatty acids ,logic puzzles ,Puzzles,Healthy Life,Brain