When you first think of activity, you probably think of the physical kind. However, it is just as important to exercise your brain as it is to do physical activity. Our brains our constantly changing and they respond to the demands that we put on it. One study that was done with London taxi drivers showed that persons with intensive spatial training (the taxi drivers) had more hippocampal gray matter. This area of the brain involves memory, which you definitely need if you are a taxi driver! This same effect has been seen in other species too (especially birds!).

When exercising your brain, make sure you pick activities that have a meaningful use or application. Some activities that help boost your brain power include reading a book that interests you or challenges your thinking, memorizing poems, doing jigsaw puzzles, learning a new language, increasing your vocabulary, and practicing a task with your non-dominant hand.

To keep your brain running at optimal speed, you must feed it correctly. Eating breakfast is one of the most important things you can do. However, it is important to look at what you are eating for breakfast. Food with a low glycemic index (how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed into our body and converted into blood sugar) are best. An easy way to look at this is to look for food that comes to you without processing. Whole foods tend to be higher in fiber and lower in sugar. Instead of peaking with a sugar rush, you will have a constant blood sugar level and mood all day.

In order for your brain to function, it needs a lot of oxygen. Doing physical activity helps the brain function by increasing the blood flow to the brain. Countless studies have shown the close relationship between physical fitness and mental health. When you exercise your body, you are not just helping your heart and lungs; you are helping your brain also!