Creativity, the ability to analyze, make predictions and make quick decisions help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. We are used to thinking that such a mindset is an innate talent that not everyone has. But modern science claims that these and any other qualities can be developed in oneself, and at any age. Here’s how to “pump” your brain and at the same time slow down the aging process of the body.
Biohacking and neurobiology
Entrepreneurship is not only fun but also stressful work. Businessmen are often forced to communicate with other people, process a lot of information, look for non-standard solutions and learn new skills.
Constant emotional instability leads to an increase in stress hormones (cortisol and adrenocorticotropin) in the body. From this, the brain suffers, blood flow deteriorates and the production of the “hormone of joy” – serotonin is disrupted. Over time, an excessive reaction to stress appears: the psyche cannot cope with the load, insomnia, irritability and problems with concentration appear. As a result, as noted by the doctor of medical sciences, professor Denis Ivanov, the body wears out faster and the aging processes start ahead of time.
The search for a universal solution to this problem led to the development of biohacking. His techniques are individually familiar to many. For the development of brain neuroplasticity, meditation, daily regimen, healthy sleep, proper nutrition, adequate intake of vitamins A, E, C, group B, fatty acids, zinc, iodine, magnesium and glucose are necessary.
Neuroscience suggests adding cognitive training, exercises and techniques to develop memory and attention to these tools. In addition, recent studies show that medications that affect neurons, the ability to neurogenesis (the appearance of new cells), the speed of signal transmission and the creation of new connections will help increase personal effectiveness and postpone aging. In particular, doctors talk about the need to support the body with serotonin.
Fitness for the brain
Exercises for the development of attention, memory, creative and analytical thinking destroy habitual neural attitudes and thus “pump” the brain. One of the most effective ways to increase productivity is to move away from boilerplate behavior. By performing familiar actions in an unusual way, we activate neurons and gradually increase neuroplasticity – the ability of the human brain to change under the influence of new experience, restore lost and create new neural connections.
Here are some exercises to practice on a regular basis:
Read backwards. Open any text, select a paragraph and start reading from the end, from the last word. Let it be a small passage, but when you finish reading, try to remember what the text was about.
Formulate a definition. Choose any 3 words, for example: geography, herbivore, cone. Give each word a scientific definition based only on your own knowledge. Then compare what you get with the definitions in encyclopedias or scientific articles.
Learn new things. Learn foreign languages, watch films with subtitles. The main thing is to make a rule of learning 5-10 new words a day.
Look for things in common. Pick two words at random – for example, mug and boat. Write down as many common signs of these things as possible in 5-7 minutes. You can turn it into a game and compete with friends or family members. For standard features 1 point is awarded, for original features – 2. This game develops abstract thinking.
Come up with unusual ways to use items. This exercise develops the ability to concentrate on one object and see the new in the familiar. To do this, select some thing and in 5 minutes find as many ways as possible to use it.
Write and read at the same time. Count aloud to 25 and at the same time write down the numbers in reverse order. That is, say 1, and write 25, etc. So you develop concentration and the ability to focus on two sources of information or objects at the same time.
Listen to audiobooks. With their help, you can develop auditory concentration. For example, play two audiobooks at the same time for three minutes and try to capture the essence of each passage.
Use both hands. Write and draw with different hands: first with the left, then with the right, then with two at the same time. There are special interhemispheric boards for this – they can be bought in stores with educational toys for children.
Regularity and control
There are many techniques, but the effect of them is possible only with daily exercises. Most exercises take less than 20 minutes. For about how long we scroll the Facebook feed over morning coffee or on the subway. Wouldn’t it be better to take care of your head at this time?
Trying to change, people approach the process unsystematically – they lose discipline and do not take into account important aspects of personal health. Therefore, at the very beginning of the path, you should find yourself a mentor. Choose in advance someone who will monitor and track your results. Remind yourself to study. Write them into your plan for the day, use special applications or calendars to report and assess progress.
Sports, dancing, biking, rollerblading, swimming and hiking can help relieve stress. This will unload your brain and make it easier for it to adopt new habits.
