Improving your brain power guides? And a study published in July 2019 in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society found that a single moderate workout session immediately before a cognitive task resulted in greater brain activation. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure the brain activity of 26 healthy adults ages 55 to 85 on two separate days. On one day, they had participants rest for 30 minutes before identifying famous and non-famous names; on a separate day, they had participants pedal a stationary bike for 30 minutes before doing the same activity. The result: There was significantly greater brain activation after exercise, leading researchers to conclude that exercise can immediately change the way our brains function and adding to the evidence that physical activity can strengthen brain function and memory.
Laughter is the best medicine for human health. Humor increases dopamine, and it improves memory and health. If you have a habit of smoking too much, drinking alcohol too much, spending too much time online, or a different habit that’s hurting your confidence, take steps to eradicate them. Study books, watch good films, play games, watch dances, and listen to songs; do the things that make you feel relaxed. Many studies suggest that watching TV and using a computer late at night is bad for your health.
If you have trouble falling asleep, make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark, learn some deep relaxation techniques, and avoid alcohol and caffeine after 7 p.m. Scientists believe that our brains consolidate learning and memories during sleep. Studies have shown that people who don’t sleep enough have more trouble learning new information, while sleeping well after learning something new helps the brain effectively put that information into long-term memory.
Over the years, I have developed a strategy that has helped me limit my reliance on technology and continue to develop the strong, active memory I rely on daily. Whether you are a business leader, the CEO of a company, or an individual contributor, you can use this approach to do the same. People absorb information in different ways, and considering different learning methods can help you determine how best to commit things to memory. For instance, though it has been contested and there’s no hard evidence for its effectiveness in educational settings, I have found through my career experience that the VARK model works well for me. This model breaks down learning styles into visual, auditory, read/write, and kinaesthetic types. This simple questionnaire can point you toward your own learning preferences. Other frameworks you could explore include the Learning Connections Inventory, which can help you determine your learning patterns. Equipped with a better understanding of how you learn, you can adjust your interactions with others to optimize your ability to remember details about them, their work, and their lives. Find extra info at neuroscientia.com.
Speed of Information Processing refers to how quickly a learner can process incoming information. Some scientists consider speed of information processing a central aspect of IQ. Many children with attention problems often are unable to keep up with the lesson plan presented by the teacher. Cognitive Flexibility is the ability to change what you are thinking about, how you are thinking about it and even what you think about it – in other words, the ability to change your mind. Cognitive flexibility is required in multiple ways throughout the school day.
