Memory, focus and concentration are the most essential qualities that each and every human on this planet should develop. These qualities are especially needed for learners who are expected to achieve great targets and perform outstandingly.
How can one boost their memory and focus by working in the right direction? Here are a few tips that can be tried out by anyone to exercise the muscles of their brain.
Jigsaw and Maths Puzzles
Jigsaw or Maths Puzzles are said to improve the cognitive or reasoning ability of the brain. The great scientist, Albert Einstein used to spend several hours daily on Jigsaw and Maths puzzles to enhance his reasoning abilities. Puzzles make the visual and spatial reasoning better as they require full focus and determination of the person trying to solve them. Students especially can make use of any education app that asks the students hard concepts in the form of puzzles, to make learning more engaging. Solving Sudoku is also a good option available to students, as it enhances the decision making and analytical skills of a person. Good analytical skills help one develop a critical brain that helps them in almost all important functions and roles in their lives.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to relieve one’s mind, recharge and reconnect with one’s body. It is the union of mind, soul and body- all at one and at same time. It is said that Meditation increases awareness, concentration and decision-making power of a person. It also silences the disturbing and negative thoughts that hinders one’s productivity. It is also said that meditation can thicken the prefrontal cortex that is linked with a person’s memory. Mindful meditation can be done at any time of the day, for 15-30 minutes daily. One can make use of music to relax one’s mind as well. Instrumental music is said to relax the mind and bring peace.
Pick a Sport
Badminton is a great sport to increase one’s concentration and focus. It is said to be the full exercise of the body as it engages every muscle of the body from head to toe. Chess is also a good board game that can make one creative and enhance the problem solving ability. Video games are a great option to boost one’s memory. Cycling too is a feasible option from which anyone can learn the art of balancing- an important function of the brain
Music
“If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.” Music improves sleep, enhances one’s mental alertness and memory. It is also effective in reducing anxiety, as is proved by a report published by the Massachusetts University. Music is a great and the easiest way to declutter one’s mind. One can also try tuning their steps to music and let their body free by dancing.
Dance
“Dance for yourself. If someone understands, good. If not, no matter”, said Louis Horst.
30 minutes of dance everyday is equal to a good cardio workout. It improves flexibility, helps in toning the body, and improves balance. Improved balance is seen as a great exercise for brain muscles. It results in better coordination and increases productivity.
Connect with Nature
Being in Nature is said to relax one’s mind and release dopamine in the body. The health and wellbeing of a person greatly improves, when they are close to the environment and wildlife. People who suffer from serious illnesses such as dementia- a condition that deteriorates the thinking and reasoning capacity of one’s body, are seen to show improvement when brought close to Nature. As Khalil Gibran once said- “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair”. Nature therefore can provide a good mental boost.
Painting
There is this one famous quote-“Art is coming face to face with yourself”. Painting therefore requires full immersion in the synthesis of the art. It is hence effective in sharpening the mind and acts as a therapy. It relaxes brain muscles and fills the mind with positive thoughts. It is an energy-driven process that always ends well in one way or another.
Conclusion
Taking care of the brain is as equally important as taking care of the body. It should act, rest and play- doing all the three activities with full pleasure. One who regularly exercises their brain develops a disciplined and holistic personality.