How to Increase Brain Power for Students and Working Professionals?

Introduction

When we are young, we tend to take our brain for granted. But as we enter our adulthood, we realize that our brains were powerful in childhood. So, it is essential to train your brain regularly and enhance its capabilities. 

People are of the misconception that our brains can be trained by solving puzzles or meditation. They forget that there are loads of other ways to sharpen your abilities and take it to the next level. So, get out of the comfort zone and try all the numerous activities that we are suggesting in this article. 

Yeah, yeah! We know that you are either a student or a working professional or even a full-time entrepreneur. You are super-busy and cannot allocate a separate time slot for training your brain or increasing its brainpower. Your brain is already suffering all the workload and is super-tired of thinking constantly. Don’t worry; we have designed activities for your brain that take minimal of your precious time. You could be waiting for your local bus, or driving to the office, or even relaxing on your couch watching TV. You can still work on your brain once you understand its significance. So, let’s begin with our powerful brain training ways. 

No. #1: Laughing

Yeah, isn’t that the simplest one? How many times in a week do you give a hearty laugh? So, pick any relaxing time in your evening and laugh aloud. You do not have to force yourself to laugh or watch a funny TV show. You just can laugh with your family members or friends when you have a chat with them. But laugh with all your heart and not with any guilt or embarrassment. 

No. #2: Kids need Focus Games and Activities

Let’s discuss the brain enhancing activities for kids first. Have you observed that though kids are intelligent species, they cannot focus on any aspect, particularly if it is related to studies? They cannot sit in one place and concentrate on a piece of homework. So, instead of giving gadgets in their hands, it is better to play focus games. Even activities like thinking games and sequences can help build concentration skills in their minds. Remember that these are games and not any kind of punishment-based activities. So, be calm and less restrictive while playing these. Let the kids understand that this is a game and not a challenge. 

No. #3: Drawing, Doodling and Singing Aloud

These activities are best for kids, especially if they like playing with colours or sketchpads. Keep it simple; do not force any competitions with other kids. Tell them to pick a topic of their choice and let them draw or paint freely. Reading, singing, listening to music or lessons is also a good way to enhance their concentration abilities. Have you ever watched a kid immersed in drawing or singing? Yes, they love it. Take your kid’s interests into consideration and let them enjoy and train their brains. 

No. #4: Physical Exercises

Enough research has been made and proven that aerobic exercises have a huge impact on a person’s cognitive ability. It is hard to believe, but exercise is not only great for your body but also your thinking patterns. So, invest at least half an hour a day for exercise. Remember, it is an overall training and not just body moving. 

No. #5: Yoga

How can we forget the miracles of yoga postures? Obviously, yoga has been said to be effective for centuries. Is your yoga mat lying around in your house? Then, it deserves attention as it can help you get rid of many health problems, along with the nasty concern of distractions. You can relax and still train your brain. Sign up for a yoga class or watch videos on YouTube. Concentrate on your breathing. You will hardly be aware of the office or study stress you have when you are doing yoga in the right way. 

No. #6: Sleep Well

An uninterrupted sleep of at least six to eight hours is recommended by the health experts. So, keep a sleep journal this week. If you are sleeping in late in the morning or staying awake till midnight, your sleep routine needs an instant to revamp. Follow a proper bedtime routine to fall asleep quickly. A proper sleep routine can help you learn better, concentrate and memorize double. When you sleep better at night, you are fresh in the morning and can concentrate during meetings or classes in the day. There is no dozing off, or daydreaming involved then. 

No. #7: Power Nap

Hey, we know that it is not possible for everyone to get a sound sleep. Maybe you have late-night work or must stay up late for some other reason. Then, we have a home remedy for you. Get a power nap. A power nap is not a short sleep of three hours in the afternoon but a break of 90 minutes, according to research. So, there is no harm in napping if you are sleep deprived. 

No. #8: Organization

If you are living in a messy room for years, then probably you cannot think of better ideas. This is because your mind reflects your room, and it is messed up. So, invest an hour, set a timer, and get-go cleaning. It helps in your memory, thinking abilities and cognitive skills. You do not have to be a super-Marie Kondo; even a simple, organized desk space can do miracles in your results. 

No. #9: Oral hygiene

When you have problems such as bad breath, plaque, cavities, then you are likely to have low confidence. You know what low confidence can do in an exam or a meeting. It is devastating! So, follow a proper dental care routine, brush, floss, clean your tongue and rinse your mouth to keep it clear from all the negative vibes and germs. 

No. #10: Go handy

In this digitized world, we hardly find anyone with a pen and paper. Go for the old school method once a while and choose to write handwritten notes. It will not harm the environment and will also help you in staying sharp. 

No. #11: Learn a New Language

Have you ever tried learning a foreign language? It transforms you into a kid. Amazing, isn’t it? You learn new words, new grammar patterns, your brain is active, and you interact with other students. So, even if you are an entrepreneur, learning a language will always help you. 

No. #12: Spend Quality Time with your Friends and Family

When we say quality time, it means no distractions. It should be a friendly chat, a pleasant conversation that will refresh your mind for the rest of the week or the day. So, despite being busy, take some time for your loved ones and those who make you feel positive and energized. 

No. #13: Meditation

Here comes the superhero of brainpower! In these days, you can find ample information about the benefits of meditation. Lots of videos, workshops, training, apps have been created to inculcate the habit of meditation in our schedule. It is tough for beginners. Even 15 seconds of meditation is an achievement. But press yourself, just practice, and practice, and you can do it. Meditation is great for memory, concentration and improving decision-making abilities. It is an excellent stress-beater. So, whatever is your age, meditation will help you a lot. 

No. #14: Video Games

Yes, but not as an addiction. Research shows that playing a certain kind of video games helps in enhancing brain cognition. However, we do not recommend you spend significant time in playing video games which will be wastage of time and the brain’s capacity. Be mindful when and what you play. 

No. #15: Drink enough Water

Hydrating ourselves is much important for the healthy functioning of our brain. So, drink at least seven to eight glasses of water. Make it a habit, set regular timers. Keep a water bottle with you if you are travelling. It happens that we are so pressurized with work or studies that we forget to drink water but don’t let that happen. If you want to lose weight, increase brain power, then hydration is mandatory. 

No. #16: Eat a Balanced Diet

Yes, however busy you are, you must eat healthy foods all the time. Processed foods can make your brain sluggish and think less. So, eat healthy, wholesome foods like Omega-3s, Vitamins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, fruit juices, chicken, eggs, fish, milk and much more. Stay far from junk food even if they are easily accessible. You must have noticed that a cup of coffee and a plate of French fries make you feel crappy from within. Whereas a fruit juice and a healthy brown bread sandwich with veggies make you think of innovative ideas. Try it out! 

No. #17: Try New Activities

It could be an activity that you have never tried. Probably, it could be swimming for you, or hiking, for instance. Don’t let your weekend waste in lazing around or worrying about the next week. Instead, get some sunshine and get out of a rut. Read the book that you have never read before. Listen to a new band. Try out a new route to your home. Explore a new foot outlet or cook a new recipe at home. There are plenty of ways to be innovative, explore and explore! 

No. #18: Travel

If you have been stuck in your city for years, then you need to travel. You will learn about new places, new cultures, talk to people, interact with other travellers and listen to travel tales. So, buy a backpack and get going. 

No. #19: Play a Musical Instrument

The Internet has lots of online classes for all musical instruments. You do not have to go anywhere but just stay at home, buy an instrument, and learn to play it. It is an art, and you will love it. You do not have to be any band guy or a magic woman. Just play and enjoy. 

No. #20: Visualize

Visualization is an amazing exercise to induce positive vibrations in yourself. It is also good for your brainpower. If you are a massive follower of the Law of Attraction, then you will love this. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, these fun and cool ideas will be worth enhancing your brainpower, no matter how busy you are. Even if you do a simple task today for your brain, it will pay immensely in the future. Get going! Happy brain training! 

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680508/?tool=pubmed – Link of aerobic exercises with brainpower. 
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910531/?tool=pubmed – People who had enough sleep on the weekends too are sharper than their counterparts. 
3. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/research/23beha.html – Power nap of 90 minutes can increase memory. 
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2424091/?tool=pubmed – Positive relationships can help in memory loss. 
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289949/?tool=pubmed – Importance of mediation in improving brain health. 
6. http://www.npr.org/2010/12/20/132077565/video-games-boost-brain-power-multitasking-skills – Positive connection between video games and brain cognition. 
7. http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspx?ART_DOI=10.3389/fnhum.2013.00363&name=human_neuroscience – Insufficient intake of water can lead to improper thinking patterns. 
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1838571/?tool=pubmed – Importance of positive thinking for your brain.