Ways to Boost your brain power!

Distracted and forgetful? Here are simple ways to stay more alert and improve memory

LEARN TO SING OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT 
    Music has long been associated with a host of benefits. And learning how to play an instrument or even singing is a challenging workout for your brain, giving it a much-needed boost. So, find out what interests you and pursue it. 
TAKE A BREAK 
    Breaking your head to find a solution but failing abysmally? Step back, take a break and focus on something else. When you can't seem to figure out the right solution, it is a good idea to pry yourself away from your laptop and cell phone and step out for some fresh air. 
CHEW SOME GUM 
    Experts say that chewing gum helps reduce the formation of bacteria and improves jaw muscles; it also makes you feel more alert. Chewing on some mint-flavoured gum reduces feelings of tiredness and improves memory. 
HAVE SOME DARK 
CHOCOLATE 
Instead of munching on bars of regular chocolate, have some dark chocolate, which contains flavanoids. They are brain-boosting chemicals, which enhance cognitive skills by creating new neurons in your brain. They improve the ability to make new memories and increasing blood flow to the brain. 
HAVE CONVERSATIONS 
    When was the last time you had a really stimulating conversation? Or are you among those who likes to keep to themselves? Well, here's some news that will interest you. According to research, when you isolate yourself from people, you're setting yourself up for declining mental function in your later years. Humans have been equipped with a range of communication skills, which need to be used. The wider your social contacts, the lesser 
    cognitive decline you 
    experience with ageing. 
WORK IT OUT 
    Doing high-energy cardio gives your brain a high like nothing else. So, if you want to improve cognitive functions like task switching, paying attention and sharper memory, give exercise a shot. 
PLAY VIDEO GAMES 
    While this may seem a dubious inclusion in this list, research says that playing video games exercises your mind, improves memory, alertness and the ability to switch between tasks more quickly. 
LOOK AT NICE PICTURES 
Find babies or animals cute? Look at their pictures! Experts say even looking at pictures that make you feel good and bring a smile to your face, can do wonders for your alertness levels. So, the next time you want to focus on that task at hand, take a quick break and allow your eyes to feast on some nice visual imagery. 
LET YOUR MIND WANDER 
It is okay to let yourself daydream sometimes. When you allow your mind to wander a bit, it gives your brain a muchneeded break. And researchers say the human mind becomes more active and better at problem-solving when they daydream a bit. Compiled by Zeenia F Baria