Having a good intellectual capacity and maintaining mental acuity is very important at all times of life , not only during the study stage or in professional life. In all cases, a good memory depends on the health and vitality of the brain . But gray matter ages, just like the rest of the body. The good news is that it is also possible to exercise the brain to keep it healthy and take advantage of its potential, even improve it. The human brain has an amazing ability to adapt and change, even in old age. This ability is known as neuroplasticity . Thanks to it, if properly stimulated, the brain can form new neural connections, alter existing connections and adapt to changes. Brain c 13
Tips to improve intellectual ability
Exercise
When we do physical exercise the brain also exercises. In fact, treating our body well helps us process and remember information. Physical exercise increases brain oxygenation and reduces the risk of disorders that cause memory loss, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In addition, exercise also increases useful brain chemical effects to protect neurons.
Do not steal from sleep
When there is a lack of sleep, the brain cannot function at full capacity. Capabilities like creativity, problem solving skills, critical thinking, and other intellectual skills are seriously compromised. Furthermore, sleep is essential for learning and memory. Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, which occurs in the deep stages of sleep.
Do not steal time from social life and fun
Various studies show that a life full of social life and fun has important cognitive benefits. In fact, people are highly social beings, and we cannot prosper in isolation. What's more, social relationships stimulate our brain, is the interaction with others the best type of brain exercise. Research shows that having meaningful relationships and a strong support system are vital not only for emotional health, but also for brain health. In a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory impairment.
Manage stress
The stress is one of the worst enemies of the brain. Over time, if left unchecked, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus , the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the recovery of old ones. Relaxation techniques are very useful for this.
In addition to stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic worry are also damaging to the brain and brainpower. In fact, some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety include difficulty concentrating. , making decisions, and remembering things.
Eat well
The brain needs fuel, just like the rest of the body. But there is no specific diet for the brain, since the recommended diet for good physical health is the same as for good intellectual health. A diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy” fats, and lean protein is recommended. This type of diet will provide a host of health benefits and help improve memory. For mental energy it is convenient to choose complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates feed the brain, but simple carbohydrates (sugar, white bread, refined grains) give a quick boost followed by an equally quick drop. There is evidence to suggest that diets rich in simple carbohydrates may increase the risk of cognitive decline in older people. To have healthy energy that lasts, you must consume complex carbohydrates, such as bread and brown rice, oats, high-fiber cereals and legumes. On the other hand, it is completely inadvisable to abuse calories, saturated fat and alcohol to maintain good brain health, just as it happens with physical health.
Train the brain
By the time we reach adulthood, our brains have developed millions of nerve pathways that help us process information quickly, solve day-to-day problems, and perform routine tasks with minimal mental effort. But if we focus on always doing the same thing, we are not giving the brain the stimulus it needs to continue to grow and develop. The memory and intellectual capacity, such as muscle strength, need to be used if you do not want to miss. Therefore, it is necessary to work on them and propose new challenges to improve the ability to process and remember information. The best brain activities for mental exercise are those that break the routine and challenge us to develop new brain pathways.
