Your Mental Ability

Aging comes with several challenges, one of which could be a noticeable decrease in our ability to focus and concentrate. Engaging in specific brain exercises can be a powerful and practical way to restore cognitive sharpness.

The Bible encourages us in 1 Timothy 4:8 that "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things..." Even as we focus on training our physical bodies, exercising our minds is of utmost importance, too.

According to the Harvard Medical School, regular physical exercise helps stimulate the growth of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis. It also enhances the connections between those cells. This is very important, as it counteracts the natural decline of our brain’s cognitive abilities—and you're never too old to start

Walking

An ideal exercise is brisk walking, which is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. So, make a conscious effort to engage in physical exercise to stimulate that brain of yours. [Source](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young)

One of the simplest brain exercises is to keep learning. Learning something new can help improve our concentration and focus. This can be anything from cooking a new dish to picking up a new language or learning to play a musical instrument.

Structured Learning

According to a research study published in The Journals of Gerontology, participants reported significant improvements in memory and cognition after participating in structured learning activities over a period of just six weeks. [Source](https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/70/5/737/589899)

Meditation and mindfulness practices can benefit seniors seeking to clarify their thoughts and improve concentration. The journal Psychiatry Research reported that mindfulness meditation can alter the structure of your brain positively.

Start with simple exercises such as focusing on your breath, observing the thoughts that pass through your mind, and then gently guiding your focus back to your breath. [Source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004979/)

Reading

Reading is a classic way to exercise the brain and improve focus. Try reading a certain number of pages or chapters each day, gradually increasing your goal as your concentration improves. To keep the mind from wandering, summarize what you've read every few pages.

Sleep plays a major role when it comes to brain health. According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of sleep can impair cognition and lead to problems with memory and concentration.

Regular Sleep

So, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring you get 7-9 hours of sleep a night can go a long way in maintaining mental clarity. [Source](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898)

If you're asking, "How can I think with a clear head?" staying hydrated is essential. Even mild dehydration can lead to distraction and cognitive impairment. So, besides exercising your brain, keep it well-hydrated for maximum performance.

Word Games

Puzzles and games like crosswords, Sudoku, and chess are excellent ways of enhancing your problem-solving skills while improving your focus and concentration. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry observed that adults who regularly engaged in puzzles had brain functionality equivalent to people ten years their junior. [Source](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.5184)

Visualization

A wandering mind can be a roadblock to achieving improved concentration. Hence, the a need for targeted brain exercises like visualizations. Visualization involves forming a mental image of what you want to remember, promoting concentration and retention.

This technique improved memory and recall capability in a study published in the "Journal of Memory and Language." [Source](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X16300715)

Healthy Eating

Eating healthy is critical to maintaining a healthy brain, as certain foods are beneficial for brain health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide significant cognitive benefits. Incorporating foods like blueberries, turmeric, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, oranges, eggs, green tea, and dark chocolate, among others, can help boost brain health. [Source](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fed-up-with-fatigue/art-20438501)

Writing by Hand

Writing by hand is another way to improve focus and cognition. Writing stimulates cells at the base of the brain, known as the reticular activating system.

A study published in Psychological Science revealed that university students who took notes by hand performed better on exams than their counterparts who typed their notes. [Source](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797614524581)

When we say, "I want to regain my ability to concentrate and focus," another answer lies in practicing concentration. Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on only one task. As your ability to maintain focus improves, you can gradually increase the time you spend concentrating.

The mental exercise of recalling sequences can be very beneficial. This could be as simple as recalling the sequence of events throughout your day in reverse order. Such brain exercise promotes both memory and concentration.

Yoga

Practicing yoga is another effective way to improve focus, concentration, and cognition. According to a study published in The Journal of Physical Activity and Health, practicing yoga regularly improved cognitive performance. [Source](https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jpah/9/7/article-p881.xml)

Neurotic Activities

Another effective exercise is to practice neurotic activities. These tasks encourage your brain to challenge its routine and form new pathways. This could mean brushing your teeth with your less dominant hand, taking a new route to a familiar place, or even eating with closed eyes. Such activities help the brain remain active and healthy, increasing focus and concentration.

Spending time in nature has also proven to be beneficial for cognitive function. According to a study published in Psychological Science, 20 minutes in a natural setting was enough to boost concentration levels. So, make sure to get outside and enjoy the fresh air regularly. [Source](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797610367755)

As believers, prayer is another critical area that can help improve focus and concentration. Communing with God not only strengthens our spiritual life but also requires us to focus our mind and thoughts, providing cognitive benefits.

The Bible encourages us in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Finally, the desire to think clearly and logically is further enhanced by surrounding yourself with supportive, mentally stimulating individuals. Engage in profound, meaningful conversations. Participate in debates and discuss thought-provoking topics. Staying socially connected has been proven to bolster brain health. As Proverbs 27:17 puts it, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Please share your thoughts and any response you may have in the form below.

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