Neurologist shares 3 brain exercises to improve your focus and memory
Dr Murali Krishna, Consultant Neurologist at CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, emphasizes the importance of neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to form new connections – in cognitive enhancement.
Exercising your brain is crucial for maintaining and improving cognitive functions, including focus and memory, Dr Krishna said. Here's why:
• Neuroplasticity: The brain can reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Engaging in mental exercises stimulates this process, enhancing learning, memory, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
• Preventing Cognitive Decline: Regular brain exercise can help slow down the natural cognitive decline associated with aging. It keeps the brain active and engaged, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Enhancing Concentration: Mental exercises improve your ability to focus and concentrate on tasks. This is because they often require sustained attention and the use of working memory, which strengthens these cognitive abilities over time.
• Improving Memory: Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, mental exercise strengthens neural pathways. This can lead to better retention and recall of information, as well as improved short-term and long-term memory.
Dr Krishna recommended doing these exercises to improve your focus:
– How it works: These practices involve focusing your mind and being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment.
– Benefits: Regular meditation can improve attention span, reduce stress, and enhance memory by increasing the thickness of the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, areas involved in focus and memory.
– Example exercise: Spend 10-20 minutes daily in a quiet place, focusing on your breath or a specific mantra. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back.
– How it works: Engaging in activities that challenge your memory and problem-solving skills can strengthen neural connections.
– Benefits: Games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and memory card games improve short-term memory and cognitive flexibility.
– Example exercise: Play memory card games where you match pairs, do crossword puzzles, or complete a Sudoku puzzle daily.
– How it works: Acquiring new knowledge or skills requires the brain to process and store new information, forming new neural pathways.
– Benefits: This type of mental exercise improves both memory and focus as you practice and apply new concepts.
– Example exercise: Start learning a new language using apps like Duolingo, take up a musical instrument, or enroll in a course that interests you.
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