How To Use More of Your Brain
If you’re anything like us, there are probably dozens of things fighting for your attention. At any given moment, we’re keeping track of to-dos, household tasks, demands at work, social engagements, and self-care needs. It’s a lot for one brain to handle!
Some days, it can feel like we need a second or even third brain to keep track of everything we’ve got going on. However, the truth is that we don’t need another brain — we just need to use the one we have more efficiently. In this article, we’ll share how to use more of your brain so that you can feel more productive during the day.
Do You Really Only Use 10% of Your Brain?
Have you ever heard the saying, “You only use 10% of your brain”? Let’s bust that brain myth right now. Your cranium is a powerhouse, and you use every part of it — even during the simplest tasks (contrary to what movies like Lucy might have you thinking).
From solving puzzles to sipping your morning coffee, your neurons are firing on all cylinders. That being said, you can still optimize how you use your brain and unlock higher levels of focus, creativity, and memory. You’re using 100% of your brain — just maybe not 100% of your brainpower.
7 Ways To Use More of Your Brain
Brain function is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it’ll get. Read on to discover seven ways you can use all the parts of your brain.
1. Exercise
Your body and cognition are more connected than you might think — physical activity boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to keep your neurons healthy. Aerobic exercises, such as brisk walks or cycling, have been shown to improve memory, focus, and even mental health.
Bonus points if you turn your workout into a mindful activity! It’s as easy as focusing your mind, counting your breaths, or meditating on your day while you’re in downward-facing dog.
2. Try Brain Training
Your brain loves a good challenge. Activities that make you think outside the box enhance neuroplasticity, which is your brain’s ability to adapt and make new connections.
Brain training apps can be fun, but don’t stop there. Make sure you also engage in real-world challenges to keep those synapses sharp. Solving sudoku or crossword puzzles, learning a new language, or mastering an instrument are all ways you can strengthen your cognitive abilities.
3. Go Out to Brunch
Humans are wired for connection — and no, we’re not talking about likes and follows on social media. Engaging in meaningful conversations, joining a club, or even laughing with friends activates multiple cognitive functions, which can then improve memory and problem-solving skills.
Social interactions can help delay cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s disease. As it turns out, time spent with loved ones is as good for your brain as it is for your heart. So, say “yes” to brunch or pencil in a coffee date with a friend — you’ll be filling up your social bucket as well as increasing your brain activity.
4. Take Brain-Supporting Supplements
Another way you can support your brain potential is by taking brain-boosting supplements. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids are rich in good cholesterol, which can support brain health and memory.
As far as cognitive enhancers, Ginkgo biloba is believed to improve blood flow to different parts of the brain. Additionally, nootropic supplements like Rhodiola rosea can help with mental clarity and support your nervous system.
Of course, there are also nootropic powerhouses like lion’s mane mushroom and L-theanine. Lion’s mane can support focus and mental well-being, while L-theanine can encourage brain capacity, especially in older adults.
That’s why both of these ingredients take center stage in our Mushroom Coffee+. This blend is designed to support the human brain from multiple angles, including gut health, rest, and mental health. Plus, it comes in the most convenient (and delicious) form of vitamin possible: a warm, aromatic cup of coffee.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Your brain runs on fuel, and what you fuel it with matters. Nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish are packed with ingredients that can support mental clarity. The Mediterranean diet — which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats — is practically the gold standard for cognitive health (plus, it’s also great for your blood pressure).
Revamping your entire diet can be overwhelming, so make sure you start with small swaps. Try replacing processed snacks with fresh veggies, add a drizzle of olive oil to your meals, and make cooking fun as you try new recipes that support the way your brain works.
6. Get Some Zzzs
Sleep is when your brain resets after a long day of performing different tasks. During deep sleep, your brain consolidates memories and clears out toxins that accumulate throughout the day. Because of this lack of sleep can impair focus, memory, and decision-making.
Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to help your brain function at its best. One way you can do this is to create a sleep-friendly environment. Reduce blue light, keep your room nice and cool, take a sleep supplement, and develop a calming bedtime routine.
7. Find Your Zen
Stress can make your thoughts cloudy and make your head feel like it’s stuck on backward. To keep your brain in top shape, managing stress is non-negotiable.
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help regulate stress hormones, which can harm brain cells if your body makes too many of them. Make sure you also take plenty of work breaks. A simple walk in nature or even just taking a few minutes to breathe deeply can help you clear your mental clutter.
The Bottom Line
We already use 100% of our brains, but not all of us use our brain power efficiently. Luckily, there are ways you can hone razor-sharp thinking and strong-as-steel memory skills. For instance, simple things like exercise, socialization, and even getting plenty of sleep at night are all foundational for brain health.
Of course, there’s no reason you can’t give your brain a little nudge when you need it — and that’s where Everyday Dose comes in. Our mushroom blends are designed to support focus, encourage restful sleep, and bolster long-term cognitive function thanks to ingredients like lion’s mane mushroom, L-theanine, and coffee extract. Try our mushroom coffee today and see the benefits for yourself!
Sources:
Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health | CDC
Get back your social life to boost thinking, memory, and health | Harvard Health
Mediterranean diet for heart health | Mayo Clinic
How Memory and Sleep Are Connected | The Sleep Foundation
How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? | National Sleep Foundation
