Health & Fitness

Gain Some Mental Muscle

Brain Training

We all know that being physically fit is good for us. That is why we enroll into gyms to meet our various needs, it could be to lead more robust and longer lives, lose weight or gain energy. But as we lay more emphasis on the fitness well being of our physical selves we don’t give much attention to our mental fitness. Physical workouts are beneficial to the heart and bodily muscles, but how do you exercise the Brain Muscle? Like physical exercise, which creates stronger muscle fibres, working out your brain strengthens existing neuronal pathways and builds new ones. It has been scientifically proven that a combination of techniques based on healthy eating, physical activity, sound sleep and stimulating your mind through solving puzzles and remembering lists makes people sharper, more confident and better at making decisions.


Exercise-Physical activities not only builds a healthy heart, it builds a healthy brain too. Regular physical activity improves psychological well-being and can reduce depression and anxiety. Joining an exercise group or a gym can also reduce loneliness, since it connects you with a new set of people sharing a common goal.


Expressing yourself-Keeping a journal or even talk to the wall! after a stressful day can help you gain perspective, release tension and even boost your body's resistance to illness.


Share humour -Life often gets too serious, so when you hear or see something that makes you smile or laugh, share it with someone you know. A little humour can go a long way to keeping us mentally fit! 


Cut-down on TV-Did you know that when you watch television, your brain goes into neutral. In one study, people watching television had increased alpha brain waves-their brains were in a passive state, as if they were just sitting in the dark.


Play with your brain.-Learn a new language, master a new hobby or engage in friendly debate. Playing with your brain stimulates blood flow and strengthens the connections (synapses) between nerve cells in the brain. Do games and puzzles such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. You can also play word games like Scrabble and other mind engaging games like chess.

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