Hack your brain with these 6 tricks

Feel like your mind needs to hit refresh? Try these six tricks and see which works best for you!

Our brains require some form of daily discipline to perform tasks, meet goals and function optimally. Here’s how to train your brain for success…

1

NARROW YOUR FIELD OF VISION

In a highly stressful environment, put on your blinkers and focus on one goal at a time, blocking out all distractions. This type of ‘zooming in’ allows you to channel your energy into what you can control right now and putting what’s less important on the back burner. Start by visualising the task; this will help you take actionable steps towards completing it. Meditation also helps with narrowing your attention to one task, training your brain to compartmentalise and prioritise based on urgency.

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2

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

According to neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan in the US, deep breathing is a real brain hack. She says this is because deep breathing promotes neuroplasticity, the capacity of your brain to adapt, learn and develop over the course of a lifetime. “It gives us the power to change our brain – and, therefore, re-invent our life at any age or stage, or any mindset.” Practising mindful breathing also helps to temporarily shrink the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for triggering the fight-or-flight response), which enhances the benefits of stress reduction. There are numerous breathing techniques, which you can explore online, aimed at regulating our thoughts and emotions in different ways. For example, doing diaphragmatic breathing daily reduces your cortisol levels and blood pressure by triggering your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you enter ‘rest and digest’ state (or relax mode).

3

SIT UP STRAIGHT

Are you hunched over your desk all day? Or slouching under the covers? Are you sitting straight while reading this? The way you carry yourself physically has a huge impact on not only your body but your brain’s productivity, impacting your overall performance. Sitting or standing in a commanding position – shoulders back, chin up, legs strong – can help you look and feel confident. Doing this for at least two minutes can also reduce stress and improve performance. Pay attention to your posture and how you hold yourself when you must perform at a high level.

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4

GROWTH MINDSET

Have an open mind about growing in all aspects of life. Developing a growth mindset is one of the best brain hacks, but it can also be the hardest. It’s about believing in the possibility of change and progress instead of focusing on the negatives. Being more growth-orientated can help you nurture your willingness and motivation to learn and adapt. Be open to the process and allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone. You can re-route your mental pathways to be geared towards personal development rather than simply ticking off boxes based on societal expectations or other forms of brainwashing from when you were younger.

5

EAT BETTER

You can improve your memory, focus and concentration by incorporating foods in your diet that strengthen and fuel your brain. Great examples of brain-boosting foods are berries, citrus fruits, nuts, eggs, avocados, salmon (contains good fats), olive oil, broccoli, rosemary, bone broth, spices like turmeric – and even dark chocolate!

6

CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Beyond the physical and mental exercises, your environment plays a powerful role in your thinking and how your brain operates. Putting yourself in an environment that best suits your needs and preferences will make all the other hacks so much easier. Working in a quiet and clean space is the choice for many people, while some personalities prefer busy spaces, like a coffee shop. It’s each to their own. You can adjust and manipulate the space you already exist in or choose a new one.

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