GROW YOUR BRAIN

The article "The Best Leaders Have Healthy Brains" in The Star (13 March) made me wonder if this explains why we have a dearth of good leaders running our country. Well, all's not lost if they follow some of the advice given.

The article quotes a study that says our brain actually gets better the more we use it. As long as we continue to stimulate and nourish the brain with mental exercises and acivities, it is capable of growing stronger even as we age. Living proof of this is Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. At 86, he continues to lead a busy life as one of the world's most revered senior statesmen. 

Those who teach or who are constantly challenging their minds live longer than folks who don't. If you want to encourage new neuron growth, all it takes is only 20 minutes of intellectual stimulation a day. If you enjoy mind games, try sudoku, chess, crossword puzzles, Rubik's cube, mahjong. If reading is more your cup of tea, go for books that make you think as you digest the contents. Research has shown that learning a new skill also helps to stimulate brain growth.

If you really have no time to develop and grow your brain, the least you can do is to keep it healthy. One suggestion mentioned is to eat a few prunes a day. Apparently, you can reduce the chances of Alzheimer's disease by a whopping 92%! So prunes aren't only for regular bowel movement!

Drinking lots of water also helps in brain growth as the brain is 80% water and needs to be kept hydrated. Listening to baroque music also increases your ability to learn by 25%-400%.

Whatever your preference, keep doing it to keep your brain actively engaged. Remember, use it or lose it. That's one reason why I blog!