The human brain is the thing which distinguishes human beings from other animals and has enabled human kind to reach astonishing heights. Neurobics is a term to describe exercises that help the brain stay fit.Specific types of sensory stimuli and activities, especially those that involve non-routine actions and thoughts, produce more of the chemicals that encourage growth of new dendrites and neurons in the brain. Routine activities become so automatic that they are completed largely unconsciously. This means they require less activity in the brain, and exercise it less. There are many games and products on the market to improve the brain’s functioning by keeping memory and cognitive skills sharp. However, physical exercise has been proven again and again, to be essential for brain health.

Brain Benefits of Exercise

• Improves circulation and brings oxygen in to the brain.
• Increased breathing and heart rate sends more blood to the brain, enhancing energy production and waste removal.
• Studies with elderly patients show that walking will improve memory, learning ability, concentration and abstract reasoning.
• Decreases chances of cognitive decline.
• Those of us who wiggle their fingers and toes before getting out of bed in the morning activate nerves that stimulate the brain and internal organs – helping us feel more alert and active in the morning.
• Exercisers have better “executive functioning.” This includes planning, organizing, and the ability to take on many intellectual tasks simultaneously.
• Contrary to popular belief, cognitive decline is not inevitable. A 25 year old brain has a similar amount of brain cells compared to a 75 year old.
• Exercise improves and even cures mental illness such as depression and anxiety.

Neurobic activity should do one or more of the following:

1. Involve one or more senses in a new context.
2. Involve your full attention.
3. Break your routine in a significant way.

Neurobics do not have to be complicated. They also don’t require that you set aside special times for them. As long as they follow the guidelines above, many simple activities make for good brain exercises, and can be worked into your normal day.

Some fun games and effective brain routines are Rubik’s cube, Sudoku, using your brain instead of a calculator, memorizing your grocery list, studying a new language, listening to music, engaging in debates/discussions, reading a book or playing chess.

Fun brain games are a great way for enhancing the reasoning and logic skills. Reasoning and thinking skills are crucial for solving problems efficiently and quickly and also making important decisions in day-to-day life. The most important concepts of reasoning and logic include quick decision-making, abstract thinking and selecting the best options. Brain games tend to test your brain and force it to use its capabilities.

What we eat every day affects the performance and long-term condition of our memory. Surveys in recent decades have shown that certain foods can contribute to the better functioning of the neural circuits of the brain that control memory. Fish and foods that contain a lot of omega oils nourish the brain, and this can help improve your memory. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoids foods that are high in sugar.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat right and get your daily exercise. Ensure that you indulge in the brain workout regularly because if the brain is not challenged for a long period of time it tends to reduce its capacity to work efficiently. The brain is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

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