How to Unlock the Unused 90% of Your Brain

1. Brains are amazing

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The brain is one of the most fascinating parts of the human body. Our brains are made up of billions of neurons that process information at incredibly high speed, producing 23 watts of power - enough to power a lightbulb! Even crazier, your brain is not fully developed until you're 25 years old.

2. But you might not be working at full power

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Have you heard that humans only use 10% of their brain power at any one time? Resulting in 90% of the brain going unused? Sadly, this has been disproved by science - in fact, all of your brain is being used all of the time, even when you're sleeping. However, you still might not be working at full brain power.

3. You can still boost your processing power

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Even though it might not be true that you're only ever using 10% of your brain, there are certain things that can impact how your brain works. This includes sleep, alcohol, diet, stress, and cognitive diseases. Additionally, research shows that your brain power naturally tapers off after the age of 18 - but there are ways to improve your cognitive functions.

4. Here's how to do it

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We all want to know how to tap into our unused brain power. Whether we want to become better at our jobs, become more alert and improve our intelligence, there are certain exercises and lifestyle changes you can use to improve your brain power. Here we go!

5. Firstly, tap into your Ultradian Rhythm

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One of the first ways to improve your brain power is to use the theory of the Ultradian rhythm. This isn't to do with musical instruments, but actually a natural cycle in your body. According to some research, your body fluctuates between feeling invigorated and lethargic at 100-minute intervals. Learn how to tap into these, and you could improve how you work.

6. And follow the 90/20 rule

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With this in mind, we should be utilising the 90/20 while. This means working for 90-100 minutes and then taking a 20-minute break. This allows our brains time to rest and 'reset' from the demanding work it was doing, whether this was physical body work, intense homework, or puzzles.

7. Plan your day around this rule

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By planning your day in these 90/20 intervals, you'll be using your brain when it's already at its most alert, so you can tap into the maximum amount of your brain power. Practice doing this every day, and you might find that you become more alert and improve your cognitive function.

8. You can also try certain exercises

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However, it's not all about changing your work day completely to improve brain function. There are other things you can try to improve your brain function, including easy little exercises. Incorporate these into your daily life and your brain will thank you for it.

9. Like a jigsaw puzzle

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Firstly, jigsaw puzzles are more than just a way to pass the cold evenings in the winter. In fact, doing a jigsaw puzzle is a great piece of training for your brain. Focusing on small pieces, rotating them, and identifying different colours and shapes all improve cognitive function.

10. Play a card game

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Not a fan of puzzles? Then a simple card game can provide the same benefits to your brain. Not only does this improve your memory and cognitive skills, but by socialising with others, you can also do your brain some extra good. Try a game like solitaire, bridge, or hearts!

11. Or do a sudoku

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Sudoku has developed a reputation for being a great mind-game. It can help improve your thinking skills, memory, and problem-solving skills, as well as being a form of relaxation and improving your focus and concentration. So, why not buy a sudoku book when you're next at the shop?

12. Crossword puzzles are also great

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Always buy a newspaper on a Saturday morning? Then maybe you should try the crossword puzzle next time. There's also some research that shows that crosswords can boost brain skills. For example, doing crosswords regularly might delay the onset of memory decline in elderly people.

13. And board games

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Not a fan of card games and have no patience for crosswords or sudoku? Then a classic board game is a great choice! Not only are these fun to play (there are plenty of options, from Catan to Scrabble), but they'll improve your problem-solving skills and articulation.

14. Try reading more complex texts

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Even something as simple as reading more can actually boost your cognitive skills and get your brain working at full capacity. More brain power is used when processing new vocabulary, so branching out into more complex texts can help your brain in many ways. Even better, write down unfamiliar words and make a point to use them in regular speech.

15. Or try something physical

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You don't just have to sit at home to train your brain. Getting some movement into your daily life is a great way to improve your brain skills, as well as make you fitter and stronger! Regular exercise can even reduce your risk of getting cognitive diseases like dementia.

16. Like learning a TikTok dance

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Exercise doesn't have to be all or nothing - even just a dance every now and then can improve your brain! In fact, learning new dance moves can increase your brain's processing speed and memory, so break out TikTok and put your brain to learning a short dance.

17. Or just try a new exercise class

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Exercise classes are also a great way of boosting your brain - especially if you don't fancy testing your skills with TikTok! Socialising with others will test your brain, and following instructions can also improve your brain function. You could try something like Zumba, a salsa class, or learn to ballroom dance.

18. Try stimulating all of your senses

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Research shows that stimulating all five of our senses - sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing - can also improve our brain functioning. Scientists recommend visiting places regularly that might stimulate your senses, or just trying activities that use your senses, like cooking or baking.

19. Focus your attention on your surroundings

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One easy way to stimulate your senses and strengthen your brain is to do this short exercise when you're out and about. Try going somewhere where all senses will be accosted by things - like a farmer's market - and focus on exactly what you can smell, see, hear, touch, and taste.

20. Test your memory

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Memory is a key facet of brain power, and usually, a strong memory is a reliable test of a fully-functioning brain. Things like memory card games and learning a new language can help strengthen your brain and improve your mental agility, no matter your age.

21. Try this exercise

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To better test your memory, try the following exercise: drawing a map of your hometown from memory, with labels for places and streets. And no cheating by looking at a real map! Picturing directions in your mind and putting them down on paper will test all parts of your brain and strengthen it.

22. You could learn a new skill

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Learning a new skill is another way to test your memory and other parts of your brain including problem-solving and mental agility. Even better if it's something that you want to learn anyway - passion will keep you committed to your skill and longevity and practice will be even better for your brain.

23. A musical instrument is great for the brain

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If you're struggling to choose a new skill to learn to better your brain, why not opt for learning a new musical instrument? This kind of skill unites your brain and tactile functions like your hands, and can help improve coordination and test all parts of your brain.

24. Or just focus on your diet

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There are other ways to improve your brain function, though. One of the easiest is to include some foods into your diet that are great for your brain. Some of the best foods for the brain include colourful fruits and vegetables, especially blueberries and broccoli, and nuts and seeds.

25. The Mediterranean diet is helpful

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In fact, one of the best diets for your brain is the Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that people following this diet - high in fresh fruit and veg, fatty fish, beans, legumes, and nuts - have a lower risk of cognitive disease. In particular, omega-3 is really important for your brain, which is made up of 60% fat, and fish contain heaps of healthy omegas.

26. And give up alcohol

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It might be a myth that drinking destroys brain matter, but certainly, heavy drinking can impair brain function - especially if you're young and your brain is still developing. In fact, long-term drinking can shrink the brain and result in slower reaction times. So, giving it up is the best thing you can do for your brain.

27. Try meditation

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Practising meditation is another easy thing you can do to improve your brain's function. Even just 10 minutes every morning and evening will not only relax your body but also improve your brain's memory and your ability to process information. So, slow down and do something good for your brain at the same time!

28. And take up a sport

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We've talked about how exercise is important for the brain to function at its best, but taking up a new sport can boost your cognitive abilities even further. You'll be learning a new skill, practising memory and coordination, and socialising with new people - all of which are great for your brain.

29. Sleep is also crucial

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We couldn't make this list without mentioning sleep. In fact, getting an adequate amount of sleep every night, just on its own, can improve your memory and reduce mental fatigue. On average, adults need about 7 to 9 every night, so try to go to bed a little earlier if you know you're getting a lot less than this.

30. So, get your brain working!

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While it might not be true that you only use 10% of your brain at any one time, there are plenty of ways you can maximise the power of all parts of your brain. From changing what to eat to sleeping more, picking up a new skill, and playing more games, all of these things will get your brain to peak capacity!