In the era we live in, dominated by overcrowding and multitasking, it’s often easy to lose our mental focus and feel dazed and stressed. Because of this, it is imperative that we take care of our brains, trying to improve our memory and brain performance even under stressful conditions. Mental performance is important at all stages of life. Whether you’re a student studying for exams, a professional who wants to stay focused, or a retired person trying to protect your brain as it ages, it’s important to do all you can to improve your memory and mental performance.
Ways to improve mental performance include brain exercises, physical exercise, changing your diet, taking a supplement, getting more sleep, laughing, and meditation.
Brain exercises or mental stimulation can take the form of doing a jigsaw puzzle, reading, solving maths problems, or even learning a new language. These can help stimulate your brain and create new brain cells.
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This has been associated with increasing the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning [Shima 2016].
Your diet can also have an effect on mental performance. An optimally functioning brain needs a constant intake of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Today’s popular so-called ‘superfoods’ are avocados, blueberries, fish (especially salmon), eggs, spinach, and nuts. Taking a food supplement is also a way to make sure you get all the essential elements you need for a healthy brain.
Sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night helps rest your brain and prepare it for the day’s activities. Laughter can trigger healthy effects in your body. It can strengthen your immune system and boost your energy while reducing pain and stress.
Last but not least, using meditation or breathing techniques can revitalise your brain and reduce stress levels.