Our brain is a very complex organ, rather a super computer but as we age our brain functions also start to decline. Human brain has many lobes and each lobe is designated a different function, for eg. frontal lobe controls higher cognitive functions, temporal lobe processes auditory signals, parietal lobe has control of interaction between sensory information and motor output, it also controls our language and understanding, occipital lobe is responsible for our visual connections and ability to see and stand. Cerebellum handles our coordination and balance. Mid-brain helps us in fine tuning of movements, controlled actions. Healthy brain interacts with each segment and neural circuits to perform millions of functions in a fraction of second.
Many medical conditions can impact brain function like high cholesterol, hypertension, constant stress, sleep deprivation, Dementia, epilepsy to state a few. Although brain has a amazing capacity to create neural pathways every time we learn a new skill or attempt to do a different thing which has no previous record of it in our brains.
So we can keep our brain healthy with some effort by stimulating brain with different activities. This article will focus on the ways to keep our brains sharp and in good health.
Many factors play role in increasing the brain activity including eating right diet, exercising regularly , gettting enough sleep, handling stress calmly and social interaction.
Lets first understand the role of diet on our brain functions:
Brain boosting foods are known to increase our mental acumen, keep our memories sharp and increase our concentration. Below is the list of foods which help in enhancing our brain function:
Green leafy vegetables specially spinach,coffee, nuts specially almonds and walnuts, fish, avocado, broccoli, blueberries, ginger, turmeric, pulses and eggs.
These foods have omega 3 fatty acid which is essential for brain function. Our brain needs energy to perform its function so that it can send the signals smoothly to different parts. It is researched that eating foods rich in antioxidants can decrease the brain inflammation and regain cognitive function after brain injury. Also in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can benefit greatly from eating foods rich in antioxidants.
Brain gym exercises
Brain gym exercises are aimed to increase brain functions by keeping it active and focused. We ask the person to perform a complex activity in which he has to cross the midline and repeat a function involving extremities. Here we will discuss tow main exercises:
Cross crawl method : In this exercise, the person will sit or stand or lie down and lift his right leg up and bring his left elbow to the right knee and vice versa. The idea is to repeat the activity in which brain has to stay alert and change the pattern to perform the accurate step. Doing this exercise can significantly increase brain acumen, improve academic performance in kids, and increase concentration.
Drawing figure of 8 : Stand straight and draw a figure of 8 in air with your hands, you can do this activity with both hands. One can draw this on board also.
Memnory training exercises are formed in such a way that they force brain to conduct signals through different segments of brain and reinforce its synaptic networks, making our brains robust and active.
It is advisable to do regular brain gym exercises for kids a swell as adults to give a healthy dose of workout to our brains.
Getting enough sleep:
Sleep is essential for healthy brain function as brain removes its toxins while you are sleeping. Infact, our executive functions are impacted if we don’t get adequate sleep. During sleep, brain consolidates its experiences, memories and repair functions. Failing to sleep can create short circuit between brain neurons leading to a state of total fade out. One should practice good sleep hygiene to stay brain healthy.
Daily exercise:
Exercise is essential to keep brain fit as the serotonin and endorphins are released when we exercise and these hormones are released naturally . Staying socially active is found to decrease chances of depression and keep our moods in check.
