How to Increase My Brain Power

"Fuzzy brain" can strike at any age, but it certainly gets worse as we age. That's why I investigated how to increase my brain power. Turns out there are many popular ways to keep our brains alert and active well into our senior years.

The first thing I discovered was that physical exercise stimulates the brain! Who would have thought it? But then, that's the idea, isn't it - to keep the ol' brain pumped up so that we can think! The key, though, is to get plenty of aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart pumping lots more oxygen-rich blood through your body, including your brain. Take a walk or a jog, ride a bicycle, go for a swim, dance the night away - all of these increase your brain power.

Just like our bodies, our brains need exercise, too. No, you can't take your brain out for a constitutional like you'd walk the dog. But you can give it lots of exercise with games, puzzles and learning new things. Play games with your friends, especially card or board games that require a little math and some strategy. Work the daily crossword or Sudoku puzzles, or put together a nice big jigsaw puzzle. Read a lot, because reading includes two tasks: deciphering words and comprehending what they mean. There are even web sites today that specialize in brain training activities.

Learning new things is an especially good way to keep your brain active. This may be the time to get over your math phobia, or learn a creative hobby such as painting, ceramics, pottery, sewing, woodworking - the list is endless.

Keeping our brains sharp also means watching our nutrition. There are many foods thought to be "brain food" such as fish. Most kinds of fish contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your health. Antioxidants such as blueberries and oranges also help scrub out body toxins that cause fuzzy-brain. But the favorite brain food of many people is a piece of delicious chocolate! Yes, chocolate stimulates the brain and increases its ability to learn.

So while you can choose brain-boosting supplements like gingko biloba or folic acid, a toothsome piece of rich, dark chocolate can enhance your brain and please your taste buds at the same time!