Brain Speed

What is brain speed? 

The time it takes to:

Capture information.

Process the information.

Respond to the information.

Brain HQ describes it as how effectively one can react to and remember events.  (Brain Speed Exercises, 20010)  Neuroscientist Geoffrey Kerchner defines it as the rate at which a human can take in a bit of new information, reach some judgment on it, and then formulate a response (Walker, 2014). Most experts, though, will agree that it is the speed of processing information.

Hawk Eye:   Trains our visual precision and exercises our field of view, both of which help to determine how much information we can quickly capture.

Eye for Detail: Works out our working memory—our ability to hold what we see in mind long enough to move it to long-term memory for better recall later.

Sound Sweeps: By infusing sound into frequency sweeps, the exercise retrains our brains to recognize sounds quickly and accurately, helping us to understand what is said in the moment and create clear memories of what we hear.

Visual Sweeps:  A sight-based version of sound sweeps. We perceive and judge inward and outward motions that get faster and faster. Different types of sweeps activate different sets of brain cells (one group might respond to horizontal motion, while a different group responds to vertical motion). Parameters change in the activities to utilize the highest possible number of neurons.

Fine Tuning: This activity allows us to hear distinctions better. It uses sounds that can be confused to train the brain to hear the differences more quickly and clearly. It may mean that we don’t have to ask people to repeat themselves as often, and may help us to better remember what we have heard.

Characteristics of Challenges with Brain Speed

A person who has a slower brain processing speed will take longer to respond to questions and complete tasks.

A person might lose track of information and task requirements, and not be able to process complex information (such as following lengthy instructions and conversations). (What is processing Speed, 2010)

There can be problems in attention, memory, organization, language or executive functions.  For example, as brain processing speed decreases, a person may have difficulty controlling attention, unable to access stored knowledge and skills, and may develop unorganized thinking and processing.

A person may notice difficulties in shifting attention, memory tasks, and problem solving.

What can we do to improve our brain speed?

• Brain training activities such as BrainHQ.

• Create a routine for everyday living at home, social routines, etc.

• Provide more time to complete tasks.

• Encourage yourself and notice successes. 

• Develop a plan.  Break it down into smaller chunks. Use graphics to help organize.

• Reduce distractions and notice when you go off task.

• Repeat directions and provide gentle reminders.

• When possible, engage in skills which you have learned in an earlier time, such as cards or chess.

According to Psychology Today, there are habits that can improve cognitive function include (Bergland, 2014, Gehrke, 2021):

• Physical activity

• Especially aerobic exercise that strengthens axons.

• Consume food linked to brain health.

• Carefully & cautiously consider natural nootropics.  Some popular nootropics include (Consult with medical professionals):

o      [Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi plant extract)

o      L-theanine

o      Racetams

o      Artichoke extract

o      Ginseng

Mindfulness is a simple concept with powerful results. It has been tied to a  decrease in stress, an improvement in mood, better sleep and more.  Meditation is a technique that encourages mindfulness, working to increase calmness and relaxation, improving psychological balance and improving well-being.  Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not particularly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us.

What is mindfulness meditation?

Meditation is a way to train your attention to achieve a state of calm concentration and positive emotions.

Mindfulness is one of the meditation techniques. It has two main parts: attention and acceptance.

Attention:

Attention involves turning the experiences to focus on what is happening in the moment. It directs awareness to your breath, your thoughts, the physical sensations in your body and the feelings that you are experiencing

Acceptance:

Acceptance involves observing the feelings and sensations without judgment. You merely note them and let them go.

View this amazing performance by clicking directly on the Ted Talk video (left) or here: The Transformative Power of Classical Music.

The Transformative Power of Classical Music

Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it - - and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.

Combine several things at once: Learning Line Dancing is a great way to learn new skills that will engage the body, the mind and improve processing speed in the brain.  Click on this fun video (left), or check out any of the many others on YouTube, to get started.

If you prefer something less strenuous, how about a game of bridge?  This is another Balboa Park activity, currently meeting virtually online.   For more information about virtual games visit the San Diego Bridge Academy website. 

This evidence suggests that training can improve the efficiency and speed of processing.  By doing the BrainHQ exercisers, and particularly the brain speed exercises, we can potentially improve our processing speed.

Break the Brain Speed Limit….!