INCREASE YOUR BRAIN POWER by Coach Iris Fanning
June 29th, 2008
I think I became fascinated with brain research in my teens. I was one of those awkward teens who was teased constantly because of my naturally curly hair, glasses, love of learning and yes, braces.
I remember thinking if they knew me, they’d probably like me. I also remember thinking that doors and opportunities would open for me because of my brain, not my beauty. Fourtunately, I out grew that awkward stage.
I still believe that our brains are one of our most important assets. We know that some of the most vital, interesting people are those that remain mentally & physically flexible and interesting their entire lifetime.
I’m fortunate once again, to be able to attend the Brain Institute Conference in July. I’ll bring you the latest research regarding the brain, learning and developmental issues after the conference.
The information in this article is from Steve Gillman’s book, A Book of Secrets.
Physical Things to Do
1. Breathe deeply. More air in means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain. Several deep breaths can also help to relax you, which is conducive to clearer thinking.
2. Meditate. A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. Five or ten minutes of this will usually relax you, clear your mind, and leave you more ready for any mental task.
3. Sit up straight. Posture affects your thinking process.
4. Phosphotidyl Serine (PS). This supplement has been shown in clinical studies to increase lucidity and rate of learning. It activates cell-to-cell communication, helps regulate cell growth, improves the functioning of the special receptors found on cells, and prepares cells for activity. In other words, it can help your brain power. It’s also thought to reverse memory decline. Phosphatidylserine has no known adverse side effects.
5.Vinpocetine. This extract, derived from an alkaloid found in the Periwinkle plant, is used as a cerebral vasodilator. It increases blood flow to the brain, which improves its oxygenation and thereby increases mental alertness and acuity. Research suggests it may also be the most powerful memory enhancer available to date.
6. Gingko Biloba. The leaves of this tree have been proven to increase blood flow to the brain.
7. Saint John’s Wort. Although it’s brain enhancing qualities are less documented (studies do show it’s usefulness for treating long-term depression), many people swear by it’s temporary mood-elevating effect, and our brains tend to function better when we are happy.
8. Good thinking habits. Just use a problem solving technique for several weeks and it will become a habit. Redesign everything you see for a while, and that will become a habit. You can develop many good thinking habits with some effort, and then be more resourceful effortlessly from that point on. Use the power of habit.
9. Use “wasted” time. This is time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized. Driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape. You may spend 200 hours a year in your car. What could you learn in that time?
10. Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age-related decline in brain function. It is one of the best brain exercises.
11. Mindfulness exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them.
12. Write. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you’ll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability.
13. Listen to Mozart. In a study at the University of California, researchers found that children who studied piano and sang daily in chorus, were much better at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored 80% higher in spatial intelligence than the non-musical group.
14. Develop your intuition. Intuition can be an important part of brain power. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.
A Few More Good Ideas!
15. Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain too. Recent research, though, shows that cognitive function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.
16. Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates can give you “brain fog.” Sometimes called the “sugar blues” as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush.
17. Laugh. The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels, which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more open to new ideas and thoughts.
18. Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain.
19. Sing. When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver.
20. Avoid too much stress. Neuropsychiastrist Richard Restak, M.D., form the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, sums up the research thus: “Stress causes brain damage.” Long term stress has repeated been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.
21. Eat breakfast. When kids who didn’t eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average.
Simply try 1-5 of the Brain Power Boosters and experience how much sharper you are and better you feel.
Blessings!
Iris Fanning
Fanning Success Systems
Summer Coaching Special! Remember that summer is a great time for you to spend some time on yourself. The normal coaching fee is $350 for four 45 minute sessions. When you join during the summer you can benefit from coaching for $200 for four 30 minute sessions. The discounted rate is offered for a maximum of 3 months. Call or e-mail Now! 505-821-6018 or coachiris@hotmail.com
Offer Expires: August 2008


from the perspective of being a person who suffered major depressive episodes beginning in early adolescence through adulthood. The book is Up Without Meds. He now has had 5 years depression free. NATURE ~ Mental Health professionals know that there seems to be a genetic predisposition to mood disorders. Check any depressed persons family tree and you’ll find an array of family members with depression, anxiety, bipolar and addictions (i.e. self medication).
Medical Disclaimer: This is not intended as medical treatment or to replace your current medication or therapy. You must check with your medical and therapeutic providers. Do not attempt to stop medication or therapy without working with your providers. Mark Myers focuses on five lifestyle changes that for him, have cured his depression. He embarked on these changes not as mandates, but as organic, natural interests without goal setting or time frames. He does state that after about 18 months he experienced not only freedom from depression, but dropped 35 pounds, was literally happy and wanted to tell others about his ideas. Here are the 5 key points. * MOVE! Get outside if possible daily and walk. If you prefer dance, go to the gym, bicycle etc. * SLEEP WELL! Get 8 hours of sleep regularly. Turn off the electronics, get some fresh air in the room prior to sleeping. Learn to let go of repetitive distorted thinking. (Your therapist can help with this). * EAT WELL! Whole, nutritious food free of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and bad fats are the best. The closer it looks to it’s actual state, the better i.e. a sweet potato not fries. * BE SOCIAL! We have become an increasingly isolated nation. The protective factors of being engaged with others in non work situations are phenomenal. * LET GO OF ADDICTIONS! It’s hard to know what comes first the depression or: the alcohol, cigarettes, food etc. We do know that addictions make depression worse.
What if This Doesn’t Work?
