First of all, I would like to wish all readers a very happy new year 2012. Let me start the year by relaying one excellent article written by Sharon Begley and published in the Newsweek issue of January 9 & 16, 2012. In the article, Begley lists a series of 31 proven ways to enhance your gray matter. The science columnist and science editor of Newsweek is also the coauthor of the 2002 book The Mind and the Brain and the author of the 2007 book Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain.
Among several ways to get smarter in 2012, Sharon Begley mentions that learning a second language could give a workout to your prefrontal cortex. This usually affects decision making as well as emotions. She explains that the cortical circuits which hold two languages become active when a brain that is fluent in both languages chooses between, say, English and French. Begley adds: "The prefrontal cortex must then step in to choose the right word for the circumstances. The prefrontal is also the site of those higher-order functions."
Another cognitive scientist, Ellen Bialystok of Canada's York University, recently found that the workout it gets in bilingualism seems to postpone dementia by five years. Bialystok and her colleagues found out that the workout carries over, buffing such IQ-building skills as problem solving and attention switching.
In her article, Begley also cites Harvard's Psychology Professor and Linguist Steven Pinker who gives tips to buff your brain. "No gimmicks. If you want to get a lot out of reading, read a lot; if you want to get better at remembering errands or birthdays, practice remembering errands or birthdays. No shortcuts, no cross-training - no Sudoku", says Pinker.
As a conclusion, we will probably all agree with Begley who says that brain exercise, not to mention becoming plurilingual, takes time. This makes people sometimes want to believe that certain foods increase intelligence.
Other ways to sharpen memory:
- solve word puzzles with friends;
- go to a literary festival;
- take taekwondo or dance... or play squash;
- write by hand;
- download TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences' app for IOS and Android;
- eat dark chocolate, turmeric and yogurt;
- join a knitting circle;
- wipe the smile off your face;
- see a Shakespeare play;
- hydrate;
- play an instrument;
- drink coffee;
- delay gratification;
- write reviews online;
- get out of town;
- toss your smartphone;
- etc.
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