Since it is coming up to exam time for all of our school and Uni students, it's a good time to examine some things that can help to improve brain function.
There are several foods that can help to ensure that you are thinking clearly. Probably the best known is omega-3 fats. Studies have shown that not only do omega-3 fats help brain power but they also help decrease depression rates, autism and ADHD. The best way to get all of the fats that your brain needs is to eat plenty of fish. Bear in mind that large fish contain more heavy metals that smaller ones, so avoiding larger fish (such as swordfish) is sensible.
Eating plenty of raw vegetables will also help to boost your brain power. There are many nutrients in the vegetables that contribute to this effect. One of the main ones is the folic acid found particularly in leafy green vegetables, low levels of which have been associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Raw vegetables also have plenty of antioxidants and phytochemicals that will help to keep your mind sharp.
Blueberries have been shown to help the growth of new neurons. This is very important in helping the brain heal. They contain plenty of antioxidants and phyto-chemicals that are really important for brain function and overall health.
Movement is one of the most important things to consider if you want to keep your brain functioning at its best. There have been many studies that show the link between exercise and brain function, memory and concentration. In one study, moderately active rats had healthier DNA and more robust brain cells than their less active counterparts, hence demonstrating that lifelong exercise actually decreases cellular aging in the brain.
So whether you are sitting down to prepare for an exam or trying to perform at your best at work, ensuring that you are getting adequate movement and exercise is vital to making sure that you are operating at top level. You should include some exercise in part of your daily routing and try to avoid sitting in one spot without moving for longer than 20 mins. wherever possible. Movement also helps to switch off the stress response in your body.
Getting enough sleep is vital to ensure that your brain is switched on. Not doing so can harm your brainbecause of elevated levels of corticosterone, the stress hormone. When your body is stressed it adversely affects your brain function, particularly you memory.
Of course, stressing out about your next exam or the work that you have to get done switches on exactly the same stress response. So make sure that when you are working you are working hard and effectively, but also make sure that you take plenty of breaks and take time to do things that you enjoy and that help you relax. This will ensure that when you are working you will be maximising your time your memory will be at its best.
Remember, performing well at exam time isn't just about studying. If you want high performance from not only your brain but your body as well, you need to look at how you eat, think and move in order to maximise your performance.
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