Our brains are a staggering feat of engineering. From the third week of gestation to old age, they’re changing constantly. The size of our brains increases fourfold between birth and school age – and, by age six, they’ve reached 90% of adult volume. On the downside, they peak in performance between the ages of 16-25, after which cognitive decline begins.
You can, however, make lifestyle changes that will sharpen your brain in just 28 days and could also reduce the risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments by 33%.
All it takes is three simple steps: decluttering, de-stressing and retraining. ‘The brain is just like any other body part – it needs to be looked after and exercised to stay fit,’ says Consultant Neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney.
1 Declutter
Our brains can store as much information as the entire Internet. However, overstimulation can be a problem, as the brain’s ability to problem-solve decreases and neurons can be destroyed. ‘When we have a clearer mind, we’re able to make better decisions,’ says Clinical Hypnotherapist Fiona Lamb.
How…
DO A DIGITAL DETOX
‘Endless notifications are addictive,’ says Life Coach Carole Ann Rice. Take time away from your phone – read, go for a walk or meet a friend– and avoid taking it into the bedroom. Download the SPACE app, free (Google Play/App Store), which encourages mindful screen time.
WAVE GOODBYE TO LISTS
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