Arguments

Brainpower Newsletter

Does arguing diminish your mind power? Not necessarily, but it can. You may remember that I touched on this topic a while back. This time I want to bring up some new points. I also have a suggestion for those of us that have the bad habit of excessive intellectual arguing.

First of all, have you ever noticed that arguments are rarely "won?" Even if you think you won an argument, what did you win? If there really is a loser, he at least learned something, right? What did you get? Ego satisfaction, debating practice, and diminished mind power.

There are times when things need to be debated, but most of the time, it really isn't productive. Do you want to argue the point? What do you get from a useless debate, and more importantly, what do you lose?

One thing is certain. A person listening to arguments can learn something from both sides, but what about the participants? If your opponent makes a really good point, do you say, "Hey, you're right!" or do you more often just look for a better argument?

Arguing too much gets you in the habit of looking for arguments more than for truth. You also get deeper into your thinking ruts the more you defend a position. In a rut and ignoring the truth? If that doesn't sound like it's good for mind power, it's because it isn't.

If you say the moon is closer, and I say the sun is, one of us has to be right. If you say nurture is more important, and I say nature is, we're both right. The first argument has clearly defined terms. This isn't common, and even here, what's the point of arguing with someone who insists that the sun is closer?

In the second example, our arguments have to do with values and experiences. We've seen different things in life, and we could spend a lifetime defining "important," or I could shut up and listen. My mind becomes more powerful with the addition of your ideas and knowledge. Listening is the better way.

To break the habit of arguing, purposely ask for peoples opinions, and listen without saying anything. You can ask them to clarify, but don't offer one contrary idea. Do this enough, and you'll be surprised how much you learn. Some of us are also surprised by how difficult this simple technique can be, but it works.

We have known for a while that blueberries and strawberries have many beneficial things in them, including antioxidants that help protect brain cells. Now, recent research has shown that rats fed on these fruits have better coordination, better concentration, and better short-term memory. I'll let you know when and if new research shows similar effects in humans. In the meantime, don't forget that bilberries, a type of blueberry, have already been shown to improve eyesight in humans.

Do you know the biggest problem with memory techniques? Remembering to use them. No joke. Any of the popular methods work, but you have to get in the habit of using them, or you'll forget to when you need them most. So if you take the time to learn a technique, make a conscious effort to use it until it becomes automatic.

I remember as a child I was at a birthday party, and there was a contest that involved staring at a table covered in 15 various items. After a few minutes, the things were taken away, and a minute later we had to write down as many of them as we could remember. I struck out after seven or eight, but one little boy got all 15 items, and won the prize.

Only years later did I learn why he was able to do that. His father had taught him a simple technique that none of us other kids knew. All you do is relate the items to each other in an imaginative story. What if, for example, you see television, cup, hammer, phone and bottle of cooking oil?

Imagine watching television, and you get so angry you throw your cup of coffee at it. Then you hit it with the hammer, the phone rings - so you throw that at it, then you see a bottle of cooking oil, and you pour it over the whole mess. Imagine the story in your head vividly, saying each item, and you'll remember all five, even the next day. There are several associative techniques like this, and they really work well if you try them.

ALL of us have the potential to possess remarkable memory function - including photographic memory. Memory is a skill that anyone can improve - and benefit from! Plug into your potential and start enjoying the benefits today! For more information on the Memory Improvements Book, visit Memory Improvement Techniques.

The neurotransmitter dopamine helps you to concentrate. Raise the levels of dopamine - especially if they are low - and you'll be able to concentrate better. This is what caffeine and drugs like ritalin do. To do the same without drugs, you should get good quality sleep and exercise a lot. It also helps to eat foods that slowly release sugars into your system. These include beans, whole grains, apples, and salads.

Another way to improve concentration is to avoid or reduce interruptions. It can take up to fifteen minutes to regain full concentration when you are interrupted by a visitor or phone call. A few well-placed interruptions can eat up a lot of your mental productivity.

Avoid or reduce distractions too. Don't try to do mental tasks near people eating if you are hungry, for example. Turn the desk away from the window if you find your attention drawn outside too often. A pleasant distraction is also an interruption, and it takes time afterwards to fully concentrate again.

Until next time,

Steve

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