Most people think that plenty of movement, elaborate yoga poses, or pricey supplements are necessary for brain health. However, the reality is that brain hacks need not take much time or effort or regimented routines. These small daily five-minute habits can work wonders when it comes to memory and focus, and mental well-being — or so science indicates.
Just like a muscle, the more you exercise your brain, the stronger it becomes. Even short bursts of activity can stimulate neural pathways, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress — all essential for a healthy brain. Micro-habits that are performed every day are proven by science to deliver beneficial lasting effects on the performance of the brain and even decrease the chances of age-related decline.
So if you have been avoiding using a gym or simply don’t have any time to keep the night yoga, you should not worry. All these habits mentioned below are rapid, simple to implement, and easily fit into your day. Five minutes each day is all it takes to give your brain the stimulation and nutrition it needs.
Also Read: Yoga for migraine and headache relief: Simple poses to relax body and mind
Doctor Arunim Sharma, Senior Neurologist at Healthcare Global, Faridabad lists down highly effective, no-sweat habits to give your brain a boost.
Practice Deep Breathing
Spend just five minutes doing deep breathing or pranayama, and it helps increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, and it can help you feel calmer and more focused. This one easy practice minimizes hormones associated with stress, such as cortisol, which can disrupt memory and decision-making.
Do a Quick Brain Puzzle
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and even a brief memory game can give a little push to your brain, and these can create neural connection pathways that are effective in developing working memory and creativity, in particular. Five minutes of mental exercises daily can increase your focus and speed of information processing.
Learn a New Word or Fact
Learning new words or ideas in small, manageable chunks helps the brain form new neural networks. Learn a word, a random fact, or something for a language within five minutes. Listen to vocabulary-learning material daily, as this habit will keep your brain curious and will enhance your verbal fluency as well as memory retention over time.
Go For A Quick Walk Around Your Bedroom
Starting to move, whether walking (no matter if indoors), also increases blood circulation to the brain and releases endorphins that enhance mood and concentration. Just five minutes of gentle movement will awaken you and your mind, leaving you boosted through the rest of the day.
Also Read: 5 simple habits to improve sleep quality, wake up feeling fresh
Practice Gratitude Journaling
Finding three things to be grateful for is a simple way to manage mood (and anxiety) and improve mental clarity. The brain areas responsible for emotional regulation and positivity are activated when you experience gratitude. It is a simple and impactful exercise to help your brain focus on the positives, affording you reduced levels of stress and increased immunity against most adversities you might face.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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