10 Surefire Ways For Growing Your Brain With Neural Plasticity

As science advances, we put aside old ideas and learn that we are much more than previously thought. At one point in time, it was believed that the brain stopped growing at a young age. This is not only untrue, but we have found that the brain can be re-wired to work in new ways.

People who suffer from brain injuries, depression, or what appears to be a brain that is on the decline now know that they can change how their brain operates.

Let’s discuss ten ways to grow your brain with neuroplasticity exercises and get the most out of life.

1. Studies have shown that many people who pick up a book do not get beyond the first chapter. To grow your brain and create new links from neuron to neuron, you must not only complete your book but also try new types. Reading fiction helps to stimulate your brain.

Not only should you read more fiction, but you should also switch up genres. Instead of always reading detective novels, add in science fiction and Westerns. Science fiction will make your brain work to see new worlds, while Westerns will have you considering what it was like to survive in hostile environments while providing food and shelter for the family.

2. We have been creating artwork for 60,000 plus years. Starting with cave paintings and working our way up to visual displays. Try your hand at doing a creative piece of artwork that makes your brain work to exercise that creative muscle. It can be anything from painting to carving wood.

3. To create new connections in the brain, learn to play an instrument or if you do so already, research and start learning something different like the harp.

4. All new learning is taxing on the body and the brain. Recharge your brain batteries by getting a deep, restful sleep every night. Do some simple meditation, turn on a white noise machine, and let your brain and body heal.

5. Get into moving your body with creative dance. While square dancing is still a good one to learn, creative dance encourages your brain to make new connections, not only in your supercomputer but how your body can move in new directions.

6. Words, words, and more words. Put as many new words as you can per day into your brain and then let your brain play on connecting one new word to another. When we speak of words, we want positive words to help our brains stay out of depression and anxiety. Find as many words as you can for happiness today and start using them.

7. We get stuck on using only our dominant hand to do everything. Yet our other hand is competent if we use it and strengthen it. This is not only great for neuroplasticity, but if you ever suffer an injury to your dominant hand, your other is ready to take its place. Try using your other hand as the main one to pick up food with chopsticks or a fork.

8. Mnemonic devices are specialized training that you do for your brain. You can start visualizing an entire scene that you want to happen, like meeting someone new, going on a first date, and the process up to getting married. Another form is mental imagery, where you create flashcards in your brain. For example, to high jump, you have card one, which is the run-up, card two is the jump and turn in the air. Card three is you clearing the bar. By placing each image on an imaginary card, you flash the sequence, and your brain will work on building the movements you need to do with your body.

9. Changing how you eat can have a positive impact on your brain. Intermittent fasting will decrease your leptin levels, and just like your home thermostat, this sends a signal out. The brain gets the signal, and the neurons start firing up to increase the body’s energy.

10. Any kind of travel will get your brain working in new ways as you navigate a raging rapid or walk through an art gallery in a city. Those who do not get outside will find the brain does not get the exercise it needs, and the brain’s connections will start to atrophy.

Always look for ways to make new neural connections, which would like a massive set of super highways if shown on a map.

7 Superfoods to Increase Neuroplasticity

One of the keys to increasing neuroplasticity is feeding your brain not only the proper foods but including superfoods as well. In terms of appropriate foods, we mean fruits and vegetables, preferably processed foods, and the food you find at the local fast-food restaurant.

To take it to the next level and achieve neurogenesis, you need superfoods.

Neurogenesis is the act of creating new neurons and strengthening the connections between neurons

Here are seven superfoods you should start including in your daily food intake.

1. Green tea is a beverage you need to consume regularly. There are a number of different types of green tea on the market. Prepackaged green tea bags are the starter kit and then work your way up to preparing Japanese matcha green tea from the powder form. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to increase neurogenesis in the brain. Your working memory is difficult to maintain as you age, and matcha green tea improves your overall memory.

2. While not everyone likes green tea, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love a nice handful of blueberries either straight up or in their yogurt. This is good news because blueberries are highly rated for helping create and maintain those neurons and pathways we mentioned before. Also, blueberries help with protecting the brain from cognitive decline. Inflammation is always in various parts of the body, and the hard job is making sure that it doesn’t increase to high levels. By incorporating blueberries into your daily diet, you can reduce brain inflammation and work on cutting down on the free radical damage that occurs due to our environment’s elements and those that occur naturally in the body.

3. Let’s discuss spice, and although many people will automatically dismiss spice as they do not like the heat it brings, there is good news. You can get curcumin from using the yellow spice called “turmeric.” As much as a tablespoon of turmeric can be added to your favorite soup, and you won’t feel much heat. Curcumin is essential for neurogenesis, being an antioxidant for the brain and reducing inflammation.

4. Omega 3’s are talked about frequently, yet many people do not understand the benefits of Omega 3 outside of heart health. Our brain contains a high level of good fat, and to keep this fat at proper levels, we need to consume Omega 3’s such as those found in sardines and herring. Omega 3’s help rebuilds our brains continuously and is highly regarded for keeping neuron production up to par.

5. Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that you don’t need to feel guilty about consuming. Studies have shown that the cocoa from which dark chocolate is made from helps to grow new neurons in the brain. It also helps to grow healthy blood vessels in the section of the brain responsible for memory.

6. If fish is not on your menu, then consider using nuts and seeds to get your daily dose of Omega 3. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts are at the top of the list for consumption. Those nuts and seeds are also high in vitamin E, which is essential for reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and even fried foods.

7. It may surprise you that lean red meat, such as sirloin, helps in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Lean red meat is high in iron, which many people have low levels of, and this can lead to anemia. Proper iron levels are also essential as it helps to carry oxygen throughout the entire body, including the brain. The brain needs good levels of oxygen to maintain concentration on tasks and memory.