EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN THE MIND

  Mind training can help enhance memory, response time and logical skills. Although research shows that the relationship between brain training activities and cognitive skill function is complicated, exercises can significantly reduce cognitive decline in the long run.

 On that note, here's a look at six exercises to strengthen the mind:

 1) Concentration Exercises: Mental concentration exercises are often powerful tools to strengthen the mind. It's a well-established workout to remove distracting objects when a child has an exam. Other simple exercises that can help enhance your singular focus are:

 a) Take a book - any book - and count the words in any paragraph. Then count them again to make sure you counted correctly. After you have practiced and are comfortable with one paragraph, gradually increase the number of paragraphs.

 b) Think about inspiring words, phrases, sounds or anything that motivates you, and focus on it for as long as you can. That can enhance your concentration and engage your neural pathways.

 2) Imagery: Mental practice refers to repeating something in our minds without any movement from our physical body. Meanwhile, imagery is a very focused and specific type of mental practice. Imagery uses all our senses to create an experience in our mind. By utilizing all our senses, we're able to regulate our emotions. Many athletes use imagery to control their anger, anxiety or pain. When used effectively, visualization or imagery can make the learning process more exciting. Paying attention to your diet can truly pay off, whether you want to optimize your nutrition during your workday or stay focused in a business meeting.

  3) Maintaining your memory, concentration and focus may be possible by eating a healthy, balanced diet that contains nutrients which improve brain function. Like all other organs, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from an adequate, steady supply of energy (in the form of glucose) in the blood to the brain. That can be realized by incorporating more whole grains and fresh food into your diet. The greater the processing of a particular food, the lower its nutritional value and lower its power to improve brain function.

 4) Working with Complexity: Whatever mental exercise you do, your brain should push you outside your comfort zone. It doesn't matter if it's simple for someone else; what matters is that it's complicated for you. Brain training exercises should require you to practice complex thought processes, such as creative thinking and problem-solving.

5) Self-talk and Affirmations are powerful and can train your