Brains and Dissertations

Brains and Dissertations
October 13th is National Train Your Brain Day. Here are 6 ways dissertation students can whip their brains into shape…

1. Use your memory.

If you’re like me, your phone and the Internet have started to obviate the need to remember facts, lists, etc. However, brain-fitness studies have demonstrated the importance of memory utilization to increasing overall brain function. Since using your memory activates all levels of brain operation — receiving, remembering, and thinking — these activities can brain performance.

2. Learn something new.

Hey, you’re a doctoral student. You’ve got this! Right?

Although the brain is unlike any other muscle, just like other muscles, the more you use your brain, the better its going to perform for you. Make it your mission to learn something new everyday. And, to learn a new skill or talent every year.

3. Repeat new things.

Repetition helps your brain wire new pathways, which, in turn improves your performance in this new endeavor quickly.

4. Actually train your brain.

Did you know that some of those cheesy online brain training programs have actually been clinically proven to improve brain function? So, turn your couch-potato time into brain-training time. You can improve your memory and think faster, by just following a few simple exercises. And, speaking of exercises…

5. Exercise.

Working your body helps your brain. Even 20 minutes of exercise has been demonstrated to enhance information processing and memory function. Exercise increases alertness, speeds learning, and increases retention.

6. Eat chocolate.

Eating dark chocolate causes your brain to produce dopamine, which helps you learn faster and remember better. Chocolate also contains flavonols and antioxidants, which tend to improve brain function. So, next time you sit down to work on your dissertation, be sure to keep a cache of chocolates on hand.