Our brains are very complex organs that continue to grow and develop throughout our lifetime. The brain has capacity to regenerate new tissue, grow nerves and rewrite pathways. Our brains are so powerful that they generate 10, 000 new cells every day. Most people never use nearly 10% of the brain’s full capacity in their entire lifetime, even Albert Einstein. Einstein, often thought of as the smartest man in the history of mankind used less than 10% of the full brain’s potential. Just like physical exercise, mental exercise can strengthen your brain powers. So use your brain cells and improve your memory, cognitive abilities and brain power at any age.
Neuroplasticity
Recent studies on the brain show that our brains have ability to grow throughout our lifetime. The term “Neuroplasticity” refers to alterations in neural pathways and synapses due to bodily injury, changes caused by environment, behavior, or neural processes. In contrast with a formerly believed idea that the brain is a static organ physiologically, scientists now widely believe that our brain goes through changes throughout our lifetime. Our brains constantly compensate for changes resulting from environment, disease, or physical injury, and adjust themselves according to the new situations.
New research contradicts the old idea that our brains are stagnant and gets rusty with age. Our brains are just like any other muscles in our body; the more we use them the stronger they get, but we just have to “work it. “
Fitness tips to improve brain power
1. Enhance your physical fitness
If you want to increase your brain power, you need to strengthen your body and enhance your physical fitness level.Your brain needs plenty of glucose and oxygen to grow, and exercising regularly will increase your blood circulation rate and supply of oxygen in your brain. Any kind of physical activity is good for your brain, so go for a walk, ride a bike, start an exercise routine at the gym, or take part in any physical activity such as playing tennis, jogging, swimming, etc. Physical activities stimulate brain growth by increasing the circulation of substances needed for neuron growth. Also when you move your body, your brain has to learn new muscle movements skills and estimate distance, improving coordination, and so improving brain power.
2. Minimize stress
Stress kills your brain cells, increases the risk of dementia and destroys cognitive functions. Find ways to minimize stress and stay focused on your goals. Find ways to find mental peace and keep chronic stress under control.
3. Eat for your brain
Eating a healthy balanced diet is essential for both improving your physical and mental fitness. A good rule of thumb is to eat fresh. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grain bread and cereal, nuts, and freshly made fruit juices. Avoid junk food, sugar and unhealthy fats, and your body will thank you. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your brain.
4. Avoid multitasking:
Multitasking inhibits our brain power. Sandra Chapman, director of the Center for Brain Health, at the University of Texas advices us that we should avoid multitasking and try sequential tasking instead.
5. Unplug
Although digital devices could seem like a quick way to connect with friends and check news and updates, it encourages multitasking. Research shows that multitasking and unfocused attention could hinder productivity, learning abilities, and memory formation. People with smart phones can often get overwhelming amounts of information 
through texts messages, emails, and phone calls. Social media platforms are also major parts of our everyday life.
Statistics show that 90% of people check their emails or engage on social media sites even when on a vacation. Unplugging form electronic devices could improve your memory and learning ability. Unplug from sensory overloads that come from technology, such as computers and mobile phones at least once a week and engage with your friends face-to-face.
6. Challenge your brain
Challenging your brain and staying active regularly could improve your brain power and help you to stay active mentally, throughout your life. Mental challenges could include solving puzzles, taking IQ tests, and playing games that tease your brain.
7. Learn something new
Learning new things involves several areas of your brain, including your memory. Learning new things could be learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, or learning to play a new game and these stimulate your brain power. Enjoying what you learn is a major key to brain development.
8. Get enough sleep
Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps in cleaning up waste from your brain cells and removing all excess waste. In a recent study, scientists have reported that sleep deprivation can lead to impaired cognitive functions. You need at least six to eight hours of sound sleep daily. Also turn off all your electronic devices such as TV, computer, and mobile phones 30 minutes before you go to bed so that your brain can relax better.
9. Hydrate
Drink plenty of water, at least 6-8 cups a day. Our brain is about 80% liquid, and so, it cannot function well if you are dehydrated. It is also important to drink plenty of fruit juices, full of antioxidants in the summer, to keep your brain refreshed and cool.
10. Supplements for your brain
Taking vitamin D, B Vitamins, Omega-3, and other natural brain supplants can boost your brain power, improve your overall health and help your memory and concentration. Include foods that contain some of these vitamins or take supplements regularly.
Follow our tips and you will soon see improvements in your physical and mental health. Please share this article with your friends. We’d also love to hear your feedback on this article, so please put down your comments in the comment box below.
Source: Balanced Life Team
