INFOCARD | 01/2016
CAREER IN ENERGY
Move your brain –
HOW TO BOOST MENTAL PERFORMANCE
W
hen we are learning,
“The only reason for having a brain is
studying or doing
movement. […] Everything that has ever
mentally demanding
changed the history of mankind has only
work, we tend to spend
been possible because we are able to
most of our time sitting
move.”
down, at a computer,
Source: Darm mit Charme, G. Enders,
36. Auflage/36th Edition, 2015, p. 131
[own translation].
in lectures or working
groups, at a desk …
So it comes as no great
Brain power and movement are inextric­
surprise that, under a heavy workload and
ably linked, as recent studies investigating
striving for successful results, balancing
the direct neural connection (vagus nerve)
out mental exertion through physical
between the gut and the brain have also
activity like sport or other forms of exer­
shown. Alongside the heart and the brain,
cise is often neglected.
the intestine is one of the – often under­
estimated – masterpieces in the human
Yet it is precisely in situations like these
body.
that movement is so crucial. Research
has shown that learning does not happen
As our largest sensory organ, it has a
in our heads alone but is a dynamic pro­
major influence not only on our health
cess between body and mind. If we do
but also on our emotions, wellbeing and
not move, learning is ineffective. Every­
motivation.
one knows the exhilaration that comes
with strenuous physical activity – it is
guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
95 % of the body 's
own "happiness
hormone" serotonin
is produced in
­intestinal cells.
Source: Darm mit Charme, p. 147/148
Key fact
There is scientific evidence that neckties
tied too tightly have a negative effect
on mental performance. A brisk walk,
meanwhile, does more to keep your
mind fresh and focused than simply
resting on its own.
Source: methode.de/dm/gt/dmgt002.htm
The fact that our grey cells switch off
movement in your long-term memory
during routine activity was reported in
and activate the flow of information in
KarriereEnergie „Bleiben Sie neugierig!“
your nervous system. There are many
(02/2014). The brain loves surprises – not
exercises you can do to kick-start both
just in how we work but also in the form
your body and your mind – try them for
of physical activity. It is the only way that
yourself! The easiest of all the exercises
new knowledge can stick.
is to drink enough water. Water plays a
role in almost every process in the human
So does that mean, in addition to putting
body – including those involved in learn­
in marathon learning sessions, we now
ing. By staying hydrated and replenishing
have to go jogging every day in all wea­
the roughly 3 litres of water your body
thers as well? The simple answer is yes,
needs every day, you prevent a drop in
it does. Because it boosts mental perfor­
performance.
mance
READ UP AND PREPARE
For the couch potatoes among us, try
> E-book: Thinking Skills
Brain-Gym®.
Using Your Brain in the Information Age
With a set of simple, short movement
Eric Garner
rwe.com/thinkingskills
activities you can get your brain working
and stimulate your capacity for learning.
> E-book: NLP – Skills for Learning
brain in this targeted way to make thinking
A Practical Handbook for Increasing
Learning Potential
Peter Freeth
easier, you fix new knowledge through
rwe.com/nlpforlearning
By coordinating the two halves of your
GO ON
Visit our recent blog which highlights all our upcoming events
http://www.npowerjobs.com/blog/
IMPRINT
Published by
RWE GBS GmbH
Caroline Wiese (resp.)
Brigitte Rackow
Opernplatz 1 · 45128 Essen · Germany
Editing & Design
EYE AD –
Agentur für Kreatives,
Essen · Germany
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