Training Your Brain by Reading

We've always been led to believe that the older we are, the bigger our brain. However, is this true? Studies show that as we age, our brainpower may actually decrease. How does this work and is there anything we can do to stop this process?

When we're little, our brains are just beginning their development process. Through stimulation and activity, our brains grow and develop muscle mass, which improves the functions of the brain.

From the time children are little, their brains are growing through exercise and stimulation. This stimulation and exercise is known as a form of brain training. One of the most important methods we can use to train our brain is by reading. The more we read, the better we become at reading and the more we enjoy reading. Children that are learning to read are training their brains every time they learn a new word, learn how to spell it or how it's pronounced.

As we get older, we lose muscle mass and our brain functions tend to decrease because they're not getting the same stimulation and activity as when we were young and learning new things every day. It works in much the same way as someone getting physical activity and suddenly stopping. While we're participating in physical activity, our bodies are becoming fit and trim. If suddenly we stop the physical activity, our body will no longer be fit and trim, and we'll begin to gain weight. When our brain is not getting the exercise it needs, it stops being fit and trim.

Reading is a form of cognitive exercise that can improve the blood flow to our brains. It doesn't have to be something you do for ten hours a day. Just a few minutes of reading every day will keep the blood flowing to the brain and improve its overall health. Your body is not the only thing that needs exercise daily.

If you work out every day at the gym, you're doing it to exercise your body. Why not give your brain the same exercise it needs? While we may not think of our brain as a muscle, it works in the same way and has the same requirements.

Research and studies have shown that performing calculations and reading out loud are very effective ways to train your brain. Brain training really does exist and can help keep your brainpower healthy and active. So, the next time you're ready to grab that calculator, do the calculation in your head instead and pick up your favorite magazine or book and spend at least 5 minutes reading every day.