Understand Your Mind

Success in life is determined by the choices we make. The choices we make are determined by how we think and use our brain power. Over the course of your lifetime, patterns of thinking that influence all your decision making are developed. Therefore, it is fair to say the only way you can affect an outcome in your life is to make changes to your thought processes.

So that you can make the necessary changes to your life, it is helpful to get a rudimentary understanding of how the brain works. The mind has been described as - the seat of reason'. The brain is a complicated organ that divides up different tasks among its various parts. You may not be aware that we kind of have two brains - left and right. This is because our brain is separated into two separate halves that perform different duties.

The left side of your brain is best at processing small details, coming up with theories, working with logic to solve problems and working our sequences. It is the left hand side of the brain that is used the most at school. Therefore, measuring its effectiveness is much easier.

The right hand side of the brain is best at thinking of the big picture, coming up with imaginative ideas about the future and asking the big questions. The right hand side uses intuition instead of logic in its reasoning. People with a preference for using the right side tend to struggle more with classical school learning. Typically, they thrive in unstructured learning environments that let them explore the world.

To be truly successful, you want both sides of your brain to be working in harmony with one another. A logical well ordered mind that is capable of moments of intuitive brilliance is a formidable tool. For a minute, think about the area of the brain you rely on the most based on what you now know about it. Does your usage lean towards one half of the brain or do you use both?

The secret of getting a balanced mind is to exercise it regularly. Our minds are at their best when they are being stimulated. Treat your brain with respect and the future rewards could be immense.

We keep our bodies looking young, strong and fit by exercising, and the brain is no different. Some scientists believe that people who do brain workouts are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists have suggested that the brain's short-term memory can get better with training tasks such as memorising the positions of dots on a grid. Card games that use memory may do the same. Doing logic games such as sudoku, chess and crosswords can keep the mind challenged and teach it new skills.

Never think you're too old to keep up-to-date with the news, and with new technology such as the internet and mobile phones: learning new skills keeps new connections forming in the brain.

If you want to keep your brain active, cross-train it with a range of things: not just reasoning tasks such as sudoku but memory tasks, too. The brain remembers by making emotional links. If you're forgetful, think up a picture of what you want to remember, and remember more than one thing by linking these images.

If your mind is well exercised then you are also going to be more resilient to pressures of life. A mind that thinks in a balanced fashion is less likely to fall victim to certain mental complaints. The most mentally well people are good at regulating their emotions. They tend to stay calm, rather than react violently with tears, anger or fear. Learn how to keep your mind calm and you will be better equipped to cope with life.

Keep your breathing relaxed and deep to help control your minds reaction to events. When we feel anxious, our breathing often becomes quick and shallow.Inhale through your nose and breathe deeply into and out of your belly (not your chest). Stay physically relaxed. Exercise, warm baths and stretching are good ways to reduce muscle tension.

Maintain a positive attitude when times are tough by visualising or thinking about something relaxing. Take a few moments to imagine a favourit place, floating in the sea or lying in bed, and you'll switch into a calmer physical state.