There is so much to learn!  Did you know that you can actually “get smarter” by practicing the following activities?  These activities engage different parts of your brain, helping you to increase your brain power!  Try out these activities and see if you notice a difference.

1. Sleep – helps your brain to retain information.  Get some rest!  Prioritize quality sleep and watch your long-term memory improve.  Ever heard about sleep hygiene?  To learn about the importance of sleep hygiene and to create a restful, peaceful sleeping environment, check out this article and learn about how to optimize your time of rest.
2. Playing games – keeps your mind active.  Get out the crossword puzzle! (or logic puzzle or Sudoku or 500-piece cat puzzle or…)   Challenging your brain to solve puzzles promotes mental activity, structured creativity, and problem-solving skills.
3. Exercise – releases endorphins, improves circulation, and helps with sleep.  Move it!  Dancing, walking, tai chi… there are so many types of exercise.  Find your favorite or try something new.  Keeping your body active also keeps your mind active.  Endorphins promote a positive mindset, circulation keeps your mind awake, and sleep gives your brain a rest.
4. Meditation – increases the amount of grey matter in your brain.  Start your own meditation practice!  Personalize your meditation so that it is meaningful to you.   For more information about this fascinating topic, check out this Harvard study on how meditation rebuilds your brain.  Not sure how to start?  To find some excellent ideas for introducing meditation practices into your life, check out this article entitled “I flunked meditation – Did you?”
5. Laughter – helps your brain and body to relax, allowing for a more positive learning environment.  Have fun and get smart!  Laughter and joyful activities relax your mind, allowing you to utilize more of your brain and to think more clearly.  Laugh with a friend, watch a funny movie, or join a laughter club!  To find out more about laughter clubs, click here.

I hope that this article encourages you to try out some of these activities and to have your best school year yet.  Have fun and get smart!!!