Our ancestors used their brains to stay alive against bears and lions whilst creating tools to construct shelters to live in.
Our grandparents used their brains to keep warm in the absence of central heating whilst coming up with new recipes to keep the family fed on a budget.
The modern man uses his brain to keep his bosses happy by smashing KPIs and coming up with new ways to streamline process and costs to drive profits but also to find ways to work for himself by finding the next way to become a millionaire. It’s far to say that more is required of us mentally their our ancestors, so we need to find ways to keep our brains engaged, healthy & functioning at full capacity.
Brain Boosting Hacks To Get Your Brain Into Gear:
Everyones looking for the latest brain hack, like the magic pill from Limitless. Whilst we may not have the pill, we may have the next best things. 4 brain boosting super foods and 4 tips & lifestyle hacks.
4 Food Types To Boost Your Brain:
1. Work Harder With Walnuts
Studies have found that daily consumptions of Walnuts resulted in a better working memory compared to subjects who didn’t include walnuts in their daily diet. It is believed that the enhanced working memory is the result of the high levels of polyunsaturated fats which are essential for good brain function.
Not only do walnuts carry the physical appearance of a brain, they are now linked to increased brain function through daily consumption so be sure to consider these as a healthy snack to graze on when peckish.
2. Clever Cocoa
The high levels of Flavanols found in Cocoa beans are considered to have a positive impact on the way the brain processes visual information and working memory, an published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
Flavanols have a protective effect on the brain so be sure to consider snacking on a bar of dark chocolate at lunch or before an important meeting.
3. Make Them Green With Envy
Green tea is high in L-Theanine which has been shown to increase focus and attention as published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. These improved brain functions are thought to be caused by an increase in dopamine that in turn increases the production of alpha waves in the brain as discussed in the journal.
4. Booming Blueberries
Blueberries have been shown to improve the brain’s cognitive function due to the increased blood flow to the brain as the berries are flavonoid rich. The increased blood flow to the brain ensures that the brain receives nutrients at a faster rate.
Consider including blueberries in your diet through smoothies or combining with yogurt and granola for a powerful breakfast to start your day in the best way possible.
4 Lifestyle Hacks & Tips To Improve Brain Function
1. Release Your Inner Musician
This could be the excuse you’ve been waiting to finally start taking drum lessons, despite what the neighbours say! Playing an instrument have been shown to alter your brain waves in a way which can improve the brain’s ability to listen and process sound stimulation. Making you a better listener, which is a key required skill if you want to work your way to the top.
2. Get Out More
The power of walking more has been heavily discussed and preached by all. Not only is it great for you physically but a quick walk can do wonders for your brain too.
Walking has been linked to increasing blood flow around the body and too the brain, sending more oxygen and nutrients to one of your bodies most important organs.
Got a big presentation coming up? Consider going for a brisk walk beforehand to get your blood flowing so you can nail the presentation through nailing the pavement.
3. Power Of Positivity
Poorer brain health has been linked to those who’s glasses are half empty instead of half full, compared to more positive people. According the journal of Neurology, poor brain health can be shown to be linked to dementia, a brain disease. Therefore, take some time out to try to see the world in a more positive light. Consider taking up Yoga to improve your positivity.
4. Don’t Quit After Your First Failed Crossword
If at first you don’t succeed, then try, try again. Never has this saying been more appropriate when it comes to trying to enhance your brains health and function. Daily crosswords puzzles have been shown to enhance the brain’s capacity to complete complex tasks and the speed to do so too.
Many of us fail at our first crossword, completely putting us off trying again. Take our advice and don’t give up if you’re looking to think smarter and quick start your brain into gear.
There you have 8 ways for us to get your brain into gear and give yourself a much needed brain boost to help land that promotion at work you’ve been working towards. Take our advice and eat more blueberries, walnuts and think more positively, everyday.