Workplace Fitness: Easy ways to sharpen your mind

Overall fitness is about more than just your body, and although being physically fit will certainly help you do better at work (more energy, more confidence) focusing on your mental fitness will give you an even bigger boost. Better yet, why not strive for both? Here are some easy ideas for sharpening your mind (and body):



Get your dance on (or your kick)
Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health, but when it comes to getting more brain power not all exercises are created equal. The more complex the exercise the more stimulating and beneficial it is for your mind, so things like dance or martial arts classes are the way to go.



Mind what you eat
In most cases the things that are good for your brain are also good for the rest of your body, so that's good news! For increased mental focus aim to eat more fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins while avoiding trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup. One expert touts the perfect brain breakfast to be an egg, washed down with some green tea.

Focus, but not for too long
If you feel like you have trouble remembering facts it could be that you're multitasking while you're learning them -- and therefore they never actually get stored permanently in your memory. The trick is to focus on one thing at a time (especially when you're learning or hearing something for the first time) but to switch that one thing up regularly throughout the day to stimulate new brain areas.

Meditate
The brains of people who meditate are generally bigger, and thicker, than those of people who don't meditate -- specifically in the areas responsible for focus, thoughts, and emotions. Meditation improves attention, which in turn helps slow (or even reverse in some cases) age-related memory loss.

Turn off the tube
TV doesn't exactly rot your brain, but it certainly doesn't help it either. While you're watching TV your neurons slow way down, and it doesn't take an expert to know that's not good. So, for your brain's sake, try to limit daily TV time to 2 hours or less.

Have lots of sex
Yes, this a fun one. Apparently having sex stimulates all kinds of brain activity, especially if you regularly switch things up. So get it on, for your mental health!

Get plenty of zzzzz's
During sleep memories are sorted and stored, and moved from short-term to long-term storage. Plus getting enough sleep is so good for the rest of your body there's really no reason not to make it a priority.