<p><span>In this article you will learn the following</span><br></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">-Why rejuvenating, recharging and invigorating your brain on everyday basis is the most important thing that you have to do</b></p><p>-<b data-redactor-tag="b">70+ tips to keep your brain alert, sharp and brilliant and preventing mental-decline and mental-degeneration</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Many of the things that we don't use - actually deteriorate in their value, power and effectiveness </b>[very much similar to the unused machinery which becomes rusted and unusable]</p> <ul><li>1.Money kept in cash as well as in simple savings devalues </li></ul> <ul><li>2.Unused your intelligence, skills, competencies, expertise, talent - diminishes </li></ul> <ul><li>3.If you have acquired knowledge which you don't use it simply sit as a burden in your head delivering no value whatsoever </li></ul> <ul><li>4.If you don't consistently and with focus use your potential regularly, it gets lessor and lessor</li></ul> <ul><li>5.All the time that you have wasted is lost forever </li></ul> <ul><li>6.Your unused potential decays</li></ul> <p>In some cases -<b data-redactor-tag="b">what is not used is abused, exploited or ill-used - like in India people encroach or illegally occupy other's properties and assets.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">If you have knowledge, potential, skills, talent, intelligence and brilliance - it could the biggest tragedy of your life</b> [and in few instances for the] - <b data-redactor-tag="b">if you don't make judicious use of these gifts to create a most powerful growth and progress story</b>.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Use it, or you will lose it - principals most applicable in keeping your brain functioning optimally</b> by engaging it to solve complex challenges <b data-redactor-tag="b">through finding simple yet more effective ways of doing thing or moving forward and through learning new skills</b>.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Just like the innumerable advantages of physical exercises the benefits of planned and disciplined cognitive engagement - is more far-reaching for people transiting from their 30s onwards</b> [although youngsters too would get solid benefits in their academics, profession, social as well as in other areas of life.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Why mental abilities of people take hit who are going from their 30s to their 40s and so on - one reason is that - instead of acquiring and learning newer abilities and skills</b> - you are mostly using the abilities that you acquired earlier in life.</p><p>Meaning in other words - <b data-redactor-tag="b">you keep doing what you have always done and in the exact ways you have always done.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">And because your brain does not get sufficiently challenged with new information</b> - it eventually begins <b data-redactor-tag="b">to deteriorate and starts losing its earlier capabilities as well</b>.</p><p>Most of us to a large extent- <b data-redactor-tag="b">operate on autopilot mode without really being consciously engaged in whatever you are doing</b> - as it is said that now a days - only machines are learning.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Only by providing your brain with appropriate stimulations on a regular every day basis</b> - you would be able to counter and reverse this degeneration. </p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">To reverse your brain-decline as well as general-functional weakening </b>- you have to proactively engage in meaningful, interesting and worthy pursuit.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">In other words you have to have seriousness of purpose - in whatever goals you choose for yourself.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Besides this you also need to have people in your circle - to give you feedback about how you are doing as well as having significant rewards</b> to reinforce the changes and also to inspire you to continue taking actions.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">You also need to raise the bar on a regular basis in the difficulty levels of what you do</b> - then only the brain will change and you will see your performance go to higher and higher and higher and higher.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">For the benefits to accrue - create a discipline to learn, practice and do something hard yet meaningful - for at least 30 minutes every day</b> - but please ensure not to overdo - as you may find that the resulting benefits are not as great.</p><p>You have to also keep in <b data-redactor-tag="b">mind that your focus has to be always on the most important thing that also matters most to you.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">You can choose various ways to - make your brain struggle by giving it tasks that earlier you would use a tool for</b> - <b data-redactor-tag="b">these tasks could be say</b> - doing calculations in the mind, testing your reasoning abilities, identifying your aptitude, training your memory for accurate recall, sharpening your reflexes as well as your creative problem-solving abilities.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Be in the company of and connect with - people who are mentally alert, sharp, highly intelligent and highly agile</b> - it plays very important role <b data-redactor-tag="b">in strengthening and sharpening your brain-power and consequently your physical and emotional well-being</b>.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">To get the real sustainable changes - your continuous and consistent engagement in all of these activities</b> [including the tips given below] is mandatory to maintain your brain power.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">There are studies which suggests that learning newer skills adds more value</b> - than only solving crossword puzzles.</p><p>It is of paramount importance that the activity you have <b data-redactor-tag="b">chosen has element of novelty and make you exposed to sustained levels of challenge.</b></p><p>For measurable and visible changes in your mental and emotional states <b data-redactor-tag="b">- You need to learn new crucial skills through experts in a structured and disciplined way.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Learning new unique skills may delay dementia</b> and or Alzheimer [although scientist have yet to validate this claim].</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">It has been established by science and medical research that - your brain continues to make new neurons throughout life in response to intense mental activities</b> - and you might get back a few of the brain functions - should you choose to actively pursue these activities while having fun.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Your brain changes physically, functionally, and chemically - as you acquire any new meaningful and innovative</b> - ability or skill.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">It is proven thing when we stretch beyond our capabilities in the realm of unknown and uncertain by challenging ourselves - your potential and well as abilities gets strengthened.</b></p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">Of-course - your lifestyle plays a serious role in the mental and cognitive deterioration</b>.</p><p><b data-redactor-tag="b">70+ tips to keep your brain alert, sharp and brilliant and preventing mental-decline and mental-degeneration - </b>most one line tips have detailed do-it-yourself blogs in my two websites as well as on my Quora answers</p> <ul><li>1.Start keeping track of your appointments and to-do lists in your head - instead of using apps and gadgets.</li></ul> <ul><li>2.Start testing your memories - by remembering - the birthdays, the anniversaries, mobile numbers and so on - of the people close to you</li></ul> <ul><li>3.Learn to become a great observer - whether you are walking, sitting in park or even when relaxing</li></ul> <ul><li>4.Develop the art of being curious - develop and practice childlike curiosity in all new things you come across</li></ul> <ul><li>5.Never accept the first explanation that comes to your mind - challenge and train your brain to come up with alternative views and possibilities</li></ul> <ul><li>6.Be in the nature - and make efforts to note and enjoy all that is good - the smell of flowers, the greenery, the fresh air, the bird-chirping, the squirrels running</li></ul> <ul><li>7.Go for awareness-meditation - while in nature - feel all the sensations that your different parts of your body have including how your breath is going in and coming out</li></ul> <ul><li>8.Lie-down close your eyes - let your body relax and breathing ease - be aware of what is happening around you - without paying any attention actively </li></ul> <ul><li>9.Go for fast walk and run for as long as you are comfortable - all the while enjoying</li></ul> <ul><li>10.Identify one habit that you would like to get rid of - do something on this everyday</li></ul> <ul><li>11.Identify one habit that you need to inculcate - take one action every day towards this</li></ul> <ul><li>12.Identify one area of improvement that you need to work on</li></ul> <ul><li>13.Unless it is completely impossible - try to exercise for at least 20-30 minutes every day plus walk for at least 45-60 minutes</li></ul> <ul><li>14.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Identify what one new skill you need to learn to make you employer friendly - find ways to learn and practice learn, discover and find your purpose - it has to</b> be something that at your current age also excites and inspires you into action mode</li></ul> <ul><li>15.Learn to manage your emotions</li></ul> <ul><li>16.Let go of grudges as well as the idea of taking revenge on those who harmed you</li></ul> <ul><li>17.Start operating from your areas of control and ignore things beyond your control</li></ul> <ul><li>18.Practice gratitude </li></ul> <ul><li>19.Pause to notice and enjoy the simple things - having tea while enjoying the sunrise</li></ul> <ul><li>20.Schedule regular family meals</li></ul> <ul><li>21.Go for safe outdoor sports </li></ul> <ul><li>22.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Take action - you must act - taking actions liberates you and makes you free to enjoy life - That is where your freedom lies -as you continue to act, more ideas will come</b>. When you act, the ideas will come - create situations that force you to act - situations of such extreme demand that trigger both an internal and external enthusiasm and drive - the bolder the action, the greater the shattering of subconscious patterns </li></ul> <ul><li>23.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Creativity follows creation - when you act, you'll get an inflow of thoughts and ideas</b> - you will then need to turn those ideas into tangible creations for the use and benefit of other people</li></ul> <ul><li>24.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Have healthy and regular sex as sex is fun - and you should be having as much of it as you can</b> - don't miss out on the many well-documented emotional, mental and physical benefits of having regular and satisfying sex</li></ul> <ul><li>25.Make a list of experiences you'd like to have - challenge yourself to try something new each day</li></ul> <ul><li>26.Identify strengths and areas where you would like to grow<a name="focus-on-what-you-want"> -make sure you're seeking what you really want</a></li></ul> <ul><li><a name="make-a-self-care-plan">27.Create a self-care plan</a></li></ul> <ul><li><a name="practice-self-compassion">28.Practice self-compassion</a></li></ul> <ul><li>29.Show yourself some love - <b data-redactor-tag="b">instead of pushing yourself to keep going and try harder - take a break and give yourself time to recharge when you need to finish an assignment</b> </li></ul> <ul><li>30.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Maintain the right balance between focusing on yourself and focusing on others</b> - giving most of your energy to other people leaves may leave you with little for yourself which in itself can trigger brain deterioration<a name="do-things-you-love"></a></li></ul> <ul><li>31.Spend time doing things you love</li></ul> <ul><li>32.Stop comparing yourself with others<a name="examine-your-values"></a></li></ul> <ul><li>33.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Examine your values</b><b data-redactor-tag="b"> especially when you are having tough time - as it is you may lose sight of your personal values - review revisit and recreate</b> - to reconsider the specific qualities - refocus your attention on who you are and who you want to become - explore ways to incorporate them into your life in meaningful ways</li></ul> <ul><li>34.Go for continuous self-improvement </li></ul> <ul><li>35.Stop blaming and making excuses own your mistakes</li></ul> <ul><li>36.Create deep meaningful relationships</li></ul> <ul><li>37.Open yourself to seeing things beyond your life - show kindness to others</li></ul> <ul><li>38.Let go of your regrets, as well as your anger and hostility</li></ul> <ul><li>39.Understand your deeper self-it is never too late set personal and professional goals to become the one you're meant to be</li></ul> <ul><li>40.Accept and correct your mistakes by making make amends</li></ul> <ul><li>41.Look for all the changes proactively and eagerly - instead of avoiding and fearing change be adaptable to change in life</li></ul> <ul><li>42.If possible - learn a musical instrument</li></ul> <ul><li>43.Be socially active</li></ul> <ul><li>44.Find one activity that gives you immense joy - spend time in that</li></ul> <ul><li>45.Watch a documentary and discuss it with a friend.</li></ul> <ul><li>46.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Read books or articles of new genre – if you like mysteries, try non-fiction. If you usually read magazines, try reading a short story</b> - simply to challenge your brain.</li></ul> <ul><li>47.Attend lectures or guest speakers in your area on topics that interest you </li></ul> <ul><li>48.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Trying existing activities in a new way</b> - brush your teeth with the opposite hand – it makes your brain work harder than you might think!</li></ul> <ul><li>49.Try new cooking innovative recipes</li></ul> <ul><li>50.Go to art gallery, theatre or musical shows</li></ul> <ul><li>51.Learn a new language – learn basic greetings in several languages -see how many more you can find and memorize,</li></ul> <ul><li>52.Anything that you find to be intellectually challenging, is likely causing the growth of new neural connections</li></ul> <ul><li>53.<b data-redactor-tag="b">Take care of your brain by taking care of your heart and blood vessels practice healthy behaviors that help bring oxygen to the brain</b> - because what is good for your heart, is also good for your brain</li></ul> <ul><li>54.Learning is your best medicine for remodeling the damaged brain</li></ul> <ul><li>55.Start using it to improve it -intensity matters - use brain teasers - take every opportunity where you can practice your decision-making and problem-solving skills - for your problems as well the of others</li></ul> <ul><li>56.Volunteer and social activities that keep you independent and engaged with friends and family</li></ul> <ul><li><b data-redactor-tag="b">57.</b><b data-redactor-tag="b">19 Lifestyle changes needed on urgent basis</b></li></ul> <ul><li>I.Pay attention to your diet - optimize your vitamin d levels - take a high-quality animal-based omega-3 fat </li></ul> <ul><li>II.Avoid processed foods and sugars, especially -fructose </li></ul> <ul><li>III.Avoid artificial sweeteners</li></ul> <ul><li>IV.Avoid processed soy products are another common food that</li></ul> <ul><li>V.Limit your consumption of red meat and other animal products</li></ul> <ul><li>VI.Mix green with meat</li></ul> <ul><li>VII.Focus on whole plant foods</li></ul> <ul><li>VIII.Eat berries, nuts, raisins and seeds frequently</li></ul> <ul><li>IX.If you smoke - quit </li></ul> <ul><li>X.If possible- avoid alcohol - or reduce it to minimum</li></ul> <ul><li>XI.Eat at least 3-4 hours before you sleep</li></ul> <ul><li>XII.Never lie-down after a meal</li></ul> <ul><li>XIII.Eat little less than what make you feel bloated or full</li></ul> <ul><li>XIV.Turn off tech before bed</li></ul> <ul><li>XV.Adopt a stress-relief practice</li></ul> <ul><li>XVI.Get serious about weight loss</li></ul> <ul><li>XVII.Sleep well -solve your sleep issues avoid certain drugs or being over-medicated</li></ul> <ul><li>XVIII.As you grow older - be very careful and slow-down to prevent falls</li></ul> <ul><li>XIX.Learn to deal with and minimize your stress - by creating solutions to deal with your triggers</li></ul> <p><span><br></span></p><p><span>#useitorloseit, #brainfatigue, #lossofbrainpower, #braindegeneration, #braindecilne, #howtokeepyourbrainalertandsharp, #whyyouneedtoexerciseyourbrain, #howpreventbraindecline, #howtostopbraindegeneration, #stopyourbrainfromaging, #keepingyourbrainfunctioningoptimally, #keepingyourmentalfacultiessharp, #dementiaandmentaldecline, #cognitivedeterioration</span></p>