Your brain is command central for your whole body. It’s constantly soaking up new information and forming new connections to help you learn and grow. Just like a muscle, it’s important to exercise your brain and keep your mind “fit” as a kid. Here are great ways to keep your brain in tip-top shape.
Learn New Things
Feed your brain by learning new skills, hobbies and activities. Study a new language, learn to code, pick up an instrument or try a challenging sport. Pushing your brain outside its comfort zone helps strengthen it.
Read Books and Articles
Reading improves focus, grows vocabulary and boosts creativity. Make reading fun by picking books and magazines you find interesting. Read a little bit each day or have family reading time in the evenings. Use a dictionary to look up new words you come across too.
Play Brain Games and Puzzles
Games that make you think flex your mental muscles. Play familiar games like chess or checkers with new rules or challenges added. Or try brain teasers and puzzles like sudoku, word searches and Rubik’s cubes. Stretching your brain in new ways keeps it nimble.
Limit Screen Time
Too much screen time isn’t healthy for growing brains. Take regular breaks from phones, gaming devices, computers and TV. When you do use screens, pick educational shows and apps. Monitor the amount of recreational screen time with your parents.
Study and Learn Something New
Challenge yourself to go beyond schoolwork. Pick a topic that interests you and dive in to learn as much as you can through books, museums, documentaries and the internet. Share what you learn with others. Learning sparks neural connections.
Train Your Memory
Try memorizing poems, speeches or interesting facts and statistics. Memorizing and reciting back builds mental retention. Play memory games with cards and numbers to flex your brain power.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to let your brain recharge fully. Having a regular bedtime helps signal your brain it’s time to rest. Sleep clears toxins from the brain and cements learning and memories from the day.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Fuel up with nutritious foods to nurture your brain cells. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day too. Proper nutrition powers the brain.
Manage Stress
Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways helps your brain stay balanced and focused. Exercise, get outside and take deep breaths when feeling anxious. Talk to parents or teachers if you need support. Avoid negative outlets like yelling or picking fights.
Stay Socially Connected
Loneliness and isolation can impact the brain. Spend time with family who make you feel loved. Foster friendships with kids who have similar interests. Social interaction stimulates the brain and enhances wellbeing.
Think Positively
A positive mindset actually changes the physical structure of the brain over time. Practice gratitude by writing down or sharing with others things you’re thankful for. Look for the bright side in situations when you can. Positivity unleashes creativity and motivation.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness through prayer, meditation or reflection helps calm the brain’s busy thoughts. Set aside 5-10 minutes for quiet mindfulness daily. Focus on your breathing and senses. Mindfulness relieves mental stress and improves concentration.
Laugh Out Loud
Laughter relaxes the body, reduces anxiety and releases feel-good endorphins in the brain. Seek out humorous books, jokes and TV shows that tickle your sense of humor. Playing and swapping laughs with friends is great brain medicine.
By feeding your curiosity, flexing your mental muscle and caring for your overall health, you’ll keep your mind firing on all cylinders and ready to learn. What will you teach your brain today?
