But if we\u2019re not careful with giving our brain the right tools to function optimally, then all the self-care work we do won\u2019t add up to much. Keep reading for tips on how to foster greater brain power\u2014without getting bored along the way.<\/p>\n
The Basics of Body & Mind<\/strong><\/h2>\nFirst, it\u2019s important to understand that the brain\u2019s health and efficiency are closely tied to three elements in our daily lives: the quantity and quality of our sleep, our diet, and exercise. The first is what gives our brain time to rest and prep our neurons for making more connections.<\/p>\n
Diet is important because the brain, which weighs three pounds and is composed of 60% fat, needs certain nutrients to perform well. These include salmon, eggs, blueberries, nuts, and leafy greens. Lastly, exercise provides the brain with restorative and motivating endorphins, which help neurotransmitters like dopamine do their job.<\/p>\n
The Brain as a Muscle<\/strong><\/h2>\nTechnically, the brain is an organ\u2014not a muscle. However, it helps to think of our brains like muscles that need to be exercised. The more exercise we provide them, the stronger they become. This tends to be a turn-off for those starting their self-care journey with the brain, but not all logical-thinking activities have to be boring.<\/p>\n
Card games, for example, have been around for centuries and are still a popular hobby. Whether looking for a game like blackjack, poker, or roulette, there are plenty of top-tier online platforms that make gaming a breeze. There are even new combinations of different titles<\/a>, like 21 +3, which combines traditional blackjack with elements of three-card stud poker. Just choose a game that meets your interests and exercising the brain won\u2019t feel like a chore.<\/p>\n![\"Brain](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Brain-Power-Woman-flying-with-Umbrella.jpg\")
Photo by Edu Lauton<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Brain as an Algorithm<\/strong><\/h2>\nAll those neurons we mentioned above are doing one thing in particular: identifying patterns. This means that, at times, our brain works like an algorithm. It sees a certain set of conditions, then prepares a response based on previous input. If you have good habits, this tendency to form patterns is good; if not, it can be devastating. <\/p>\n
But one way to prepare our brain to change our long-term habits isn\u2019t overly complicated. In fact, simply doing things backward can re-train the brain to form new neural connections and, therefore, new patterns. Examples can be as simple as writing with your non-dominant hand once a week or even walking backward as you perform your morning routine. No matter the activity, just be sure to switch it up.<\/p>\n
The Brain as Your Best Friend<\/strong><\/h2>\nSo far, we\u2019ve covered boosting the brain\u2019s power and forming new patterns. Clearly, the brain serves our interests and is receptive to our guidance. In this way, we can also \u2018prep\u2019 the brain for more positive thinking. Much of this comes down to familiar tricks, such as deep breathing exercises<\/a> and therapeutic journaling sessions that release anxiety. <\/p>\nHowever, there are even more straightforward ways to foster happiness in our daily lives. Simply invest in small things<\/em> that make you happy, just like more self-care routines prescribe, and keep reminders around of these happy moments\u2014your brain will notice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Technically, the brain is an organ\u2014not a muscle. However, it helps to think of our brains like muscles that need to be exercised. The more exercise we provide them, the stronger they become. This tends to be a turn-off for those starting their self-care journey with the brain, but not all logical-thinking activities have to be boring.<\/p>\n
Card games, for example, have been around for centuries and are still a popular hobby. Whether looking for a game like blackjack, poker, or roulette, there are plenty of top-tier online platforms that make gaming a breeze. There are even new combinations of different titles<\/a>, like 21 +3, which combines traditional blackjack with elements of three-card stud poker. Just choose a game that meets your interests and exercising the brain won\u2019t feel like a chore.<\/p>\n All those neurons we mentioned above are doing one thing in particular: identifying patterns. This means that, at times, our brain works like an algorithm. It sees a certain set of conditions, then prepares a response based on previous input. If you have good habits, this tendency to form patterns is good; if not, it can be devastating. <\/p>\n But one way to prepare our brain to change our long-term habits isn\u2019t overly complicated. In fact, simply doing things backward can re-train the brain to form new neural connections and, therefore, new patterns. Examples can be as simple as writing with your non-dominant hand once a week or even walking backward as you perform your morning routine. No matter the activity, just be sure to switch it up.<\/p>\n So far, we\u2019ve covered boosting the brain\u2019s power and forming new patterns. Clearly, the brain serves our interests and is receptive to our guidance. In this way, we can also \u2018prep\u2019 the brain for more positive thinking. Much of this comes down to familiar tricks, such as deep breathing exercises<\/a> and therapeutic journaling sessions that release anxiety. <\/p>\n However, there are even more straightforward ways to foster happiness in our daily lives. Simply invest in small things<\/em> that make you happy, just like more self-care routines prescribe, and keep reminders around of these happy moments\u2014your brain will notice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Brain as an Algorithm<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Brain as Your Best Friend<\/strong><\/h2>\n