Brain capacities vary over the course of life according to a basically parabolic trend. For example, a child’s performance increases over time, allowing him to face and solve increasingly complex problems. On the other hand, in the transition from adulthood to old age, a decrease in brain performance is accused, and it is not infrequently possible to find a decrease of 1% per year in the volume of the brain.
How to deal with cognitive decline
Over time we tend to lose mental elasticity, and it becomes more and more difficult to concentrate and learn new concepts. Often then it happens not to remember a person’s name or to forget an appointment. These are the first signs of a physiological cognitive decline, which however can be slowed down with small daily physical and mental exercises. Reading, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, playing sports, together with a healthy diet, undoubtedly make their contribution in combating brain aging. But according to some studies conducted by the University of Regensburg in Germany it is possible to intervene in a more incisive way, even obtaining an enhancement of some areas of the brain.
Here’s what to do to improve brain performance according to this surprising new discovery
The experiment of the German technicians involved 24 people: half of these were given a juggling kit, while the others acted as a control group. It was thus found that those who exercised for a few minutes a day then recorded a significant increase in gray matter and white matter. In this way the brain volume increased by 3%.
Juggling therefore has many advantages:
- in neuronal terms, in addition to preventing memory problems and developing thought acuity, it enhances coordination and balance, and improves reflexes. Furthermore, by stimulating the production of serotonin, it relieves stress and conditions mood;
- in physical terms, it improves posture, is beneficial for bones and muscles and helps develop the non-dominant hand.
However, the brain behaves almost like a muscle: it is necessary to keep it in training, otherwise performance is lost over time. So now here’s what to do to improve brain performance according to this surprising new discovery: You can simply spend a few minutes a day juggling. And if you don’t have the right tools at hand, never mind: here’s how to create colorful and fun colored balls with common household items.