511: How to strength train your brain | Memory expert Jim Kwik
Nov 13, 2023
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Memory expert Jim Kwik discusses the best mental exercises, habits harmful to brain health, reliance on devices, brain firing techniques, productive TV watching, overcoming afternoon slump, brain benefits of black coffee, identifying brain type, and optimizing focus.
Engaging in neurobics exercises, such as brushing teeth with the opposite hand, can stimulate different parts of the brain and improve focus.
Proper hydration, breathing exercises, and movement breaks are essential for supporting brain function and cognitive vitality.
Overcoming mid-afternoon slumps and difficulties in focusing can be achieved through brain breaks, nourishing activities, and personalized learning based on individual brain types.
Deep dives
The Importance of Cognitive Fitness
In this podcast episode, Jim Quick discusses the significance of cognitive fitness and the need to train our brains just like we train our bodies. He introduces the concept of neurobics, which are mental exercises that stimulate our neurons and enhance memory. Quick emphasizes the need for a to-do list and a not-to-do list, suggesting that we should start, stop, do less, or do more of certain activities to make effective changes. He also highlights the potential dangers of excessive technology use and digital overload, encouraging digital detox and creating whitespace for thinking. Additionally, Quick explores different brain types and explains how understanding our unique cognitive profiles can improve our learning experiences.
Taking Care of Your Brain Health
Jim Quick emphasizes the importance of taking care of our brain health and provides practical strategies to maintain cognitive vitality. He suggests engaging in neurobics exercises, such as brushing teeth with the opposite hand, as a way to stimulate different parts of the brain and improve focus. Quick also advocates for proper hydration, breathing exercises, and movement breaks to support brain function. He discusses the benefits of certain supplements like creatine and turmeric, which can enhance brain health. Additionally, Quick encourages personalized learning based on individual brain types, promoting self-awareness and tailored approaches to productivity.
Overcoming Afternoon Slumps
When faced with mid-afternoon slumps or difficulties in focusing, Jim Quick offers strategies for overcoming them. He recommends taking a brain break during those periods, focusing on activities that nourish the brain, such as movement, hydration, and deep breathing. Quick advises avoiding excessive caffeine intake and managing hydration levels to prevent energy crashes. He also suggests supplementing with nutrients like choline, omega-3s, and vitamin D to support brain function. Acknowledging the different cognitive types, Quick highlights the importance of understanding one's own brain animal and adopting personalized learning approaches to maximize productivity.
Exploring Neurobics and Learning from Fiction
Jim Quick delves into the concept of neurobics, which involves engaging in mental exercises to strengthen the brain. He shares examples of neurobic activities such as watching films or TV shows with mindfulness and actively learning from the characters' perspectives. Quick encourages learning from fiction to improve emotional intelligence and creativity. He emphasizes the power of narratives and recommends exploring the cognitive types of iconic fictional characters to gain insights into different ways of thinking. Quick also highlights the value of understanding one's learning preferences to enhance overall learning experiences.
Discovering Your Brain Animal and Personalized Learning
Jim Quick introduces the concept of the four brain animals: cheetahs, owls, dolphins, and elephants, representing different cognitive types. He encourages listeners to take the Brain Animal Quiz to identify their preferred learning styles, strengths, and approaches to problem-solving. Quick emphasizes how understanding one's brain animal can enhance productivity, study habits, and interpersonal interactions. He highlights the uniqueness of each brain animal and how they influence learning and decision-making processes. Quick also invites listeners to share their brain animal results and engage in a community of learning and personal growth.
“Our memory is like a muscle. We use it or we lose it," says Jim Kwik.
Jim, one of the top memory coaches in the country and a leading expert in brain optimization, joins us to discuss the best mental exercises you can do every day, plus:
- Less obvious habits that harm brain health (~00:02)
- Do you have digital dementia? (02:20)
- How to rely less on your devices (~11:45)
- How to get your brain firing (~18:53)
- Daily mental exercises that don’t take much time (~25:17)
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