Your mind is the core of you. It defines you. It enhances you. It allows you to do all the things you want to do. Without the power of your mind, you are nothing.

All too often I see people wasting their potential simply because they do not know how to harness their mental power. They do not have a clue as to how much power they hold within themselves. They are so wrapped up in the busy-ness of life that they waste their mind on things that are totally unimportant.

Your mind is your greatest asset. I want to share five ways you can start improving your mind—TODAY.

#1: TURN OFF THE TELEVISION

Nielsen Media Research company released a study in September 2006 that stated,

“The total average time a household watched television during the 2005-2006 television year was 8 hours and 14 minutes per day, a 3-minute increase from the 2004-2005 season and a record high.” (Neilsen Media Research)

These numbers are startling, yet not enough so for Americans to change their TV watching habits. Today you can watch television shows that display graphic murders, become voyeurs in the comfort of your living room, or witness adults go through a weird process of finding their “soul mate” on national television.

What happens to our brains while watching all this television? We certainly aren’t exerting any mental abilities. Instead, our brains turn to jelly while consuming all this junk. Turn off the tube and use your brain power on better things.

#2: MEDITATE EVERY DAY

Meditation has the ability not only to calm your mind, but to stimulate it. People who meditate often report feeling more alive and creative. They might even experience frequent bursts of creative energy, wherein they paint, write, or sing better than they have in a long time.

#3: READ MORE BOOKS

Reading the newspaper is great. But let’s face it. In today’s society, very few of us are even reading the paper anymore. Some women and men go for magazines, but even magazines can only do so much to stimulate your brain.

Instead, go for books. You can invigorate your mind just by reading a good mystery. Your imagination will soar to heights unknown as you delve into the depths of great American literature. Read whatever you like. Read whatever you don’t like. Expand your horizons and simply read to power up your mind.

#4: WORK PUZZLES

Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to exercise your brain. The kinds of puzzles I’m referring to here, though, are puzzle books. There are a ton of fun puzzle books available at just about any grocery store or dollar store. From crossword puzzles to brain challenges, you will find many hours of great brain stimulation in puzzle books.

#5: TAKE A CLASS

One of the best ways to keep your mind stimulated is to try something new. Is there something in particular you have been wanting to learn about? Maybe you would like to learn more about accounting. Take an accounting class at your local college. Perhaps you just want to learn a new hobby, like how to knit. Take a beginner’s knitting class.

It doesn’t matter how small or large your desire is, find ways to constantly feed your mind. By educating yourself frequently, you will find that your brain—and you—will feel much more alive.

Source: NeilsenMedia.com