Brain Function And Exercise

Better brain function with exercise? The evidence is clear. Not only can you get long-term benefits for your brain from exercise, but you can boost you brain power in the next ten minutes. Exercise can help your brain work more efficiently and actually make you smarter.

The thinking ability of subjects was tested in one study. After these tests, the subjects ran on a treadmill for thirty minutes. When their hearts returned to normal resting levels they took the follow-up tests. During all tests the subjects were connected to an EEG (elctroencephalogram), in order to track their brainwaves.
Researchers found that exercising had increased the speed their decision-making. It was considered a significant difference (beyond normal statistical variation). They also found that the subjects answered more accurately after the exercise than before.

Participants were between 18 and 24 years old, but researchers think the findings will hold true for other age groups as well.
One study showed that just ten minutes of moderate exercise each day can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Brain function specifically wasn't tested, but it seems likely that less fatigue means better brain power.

Best Exercise For Brain Function?
The research has focused more on the duration of exercise more than on the specific type. Aerobic exercise seems to be the common element in the studies that have shown improvements in brain function, however. It's likely that running, bicycling, swimming, dancing and any other aerobic exercise will have the same effect.

Notice that ten minutes of exercise is apparently enough to have effects on the brain. Also, while most scientists probably expected to find better brain function from long-term exercise programs, the study using treadmills showed an immediate effect. In other words, get up and run around, and you can be smarter ten minutes from now.
Some people find that walking is a great way to boost brain power. There are the aerobic benefits now being proven by recent studies, but there seems to be something more. It may be due to it's rythmic and relaxing nature that many people report their clearest and most creative thinking when walking.

We already knew that exercise was good for sleeping better, a healthier immune system, weight control, and a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Now you can add brain power to that list. Why not take a walk today for better brain function?

How To Improve Brain Function

How to improve brain function? Start with a few questions.
Is problem solving easy for you? Do you learn new things quickly? Can you improve your brain function? Your answers to these questions will have an effect on your brain function, because brainpower and psychology are intimately connected.

Brain Function and Expectation
1. A friend spent his childhood with wealthy kids and their families. He now makes more money than most of us. Coincidence? Did rich friends give him money? Did they help him in business? No to all three questions. He just grew up with an expectation of a certain level of income. His mind will always push him to take actions towards that level.

2. The book said there was a checkmate in four moves, so I looked until I found it. I used to think those elegant solutions to chess puzzles were very rare in real games. I eventually realized they are there, but that without the expectation of finding them, I settled for less worthy moves. Now I find the elegant moves more often.

Do you see how expectation and belief expands or limits your mind and your life? Now, to apply this to better brain function, you need to adjust your expectation and unconscious beliefs about your brainpower.
What you think certainly affects what you accomplish. When you believe you can improve your brain function, you are far more likely to do what's necessary to get that result. So how do you adopt the most useful beliefs and expectations?
Okay, don't worry. I won't tell you to stand in front of a mirror making positive affirmations. I have an easier way.

Affirmation or Evidence?
Try this experiment: Watch for polite drivers for two days, making a mental note to yourself each time you see one. Notice the polite ones, ignoring the rest. By the way, this will change your experience of driving in a positive way. Then watch for rude drivers for two days, and you'll see them all over.

Do the exercise above, and you'll understand that you experience the world not just according to what is there, What you pay attention to is the more important part of your experience. Ready to apply this to your thinking process?

Notice your success. When you learn something new, make a mental note, or write it down even. Point out your problem-solving successes, and you'll have more of them. When you're thinking clearly and effectively, tell yourself, "Look at that brain go!"
Go ahead and make those affirming statements, but why not make them when you are looking at the evidence? Evidence is more convincing than affirmation. Watch, and you'll find examples of progress, however large or small. Focus on these, and remember them. You can start doing this right now. That's how to improve brain function.