Power Up Your Brain: Lessons from Chris Hemsworth's Limitless

Hey Birchwood-Ed students!

Ever wondered how to get the most out of your brain, especially with all that tuition and revision going on? Well, get ready to be inspired by none other than Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, and his latest series, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth: Live Better Now.

In the first episode of Season 2, "Brain Power," Chris dives headfirst into understanding how our brains work and, more importantly, how we can make them even better. And believe us, it's not all about lifting weights (though that helps too!).

The Power of Learning Something New

One of the most exciting takeaways from the episode is the idea of neuroplasticity. Don't let the fancy word scare you – it simply means your brain's amazing ability to adapt and change throughout your life. Think of it like a muscle: the more you use it and challenge it, the stronger and more flexible it becomes.

Chris Hemsworth, with absolutely no prior experience, takes on the monumental challenge of learning to play the drums for a live performance with global superstar Ed Sheeran – in front of 70,000 fans! Talk about a high-pressure gig! He learns from a cognitive scientist, Dr. Maya Shankar, and even gets some tips from Parkway Drive drummer Ben Gordon.

What does this tell us? Learning a new skill, especially something complex like a musical instrument, forces your brain to create new pathways and connections. It boosts your memory, improves coordination, and enhances your overall cognitive function.

How You Can Boost Your Brain Power

So, how can you channel your inner Chris Hemsworth and boost your own brain power for your studies?

• Embrace New Challenges: 

  Just like Chris learning the drums, don't shy away from new academic subjects or challenging problems. Every time you tackle something difficult, you're giving your brain a workout.

  
  

• Learn a Skill (Outside of Academics): 

  Ever thought about learning to code, speak a new language, or even pick up an instrument? These activities aren't just fun; they're excellent brain training. DuoLingo, online tutorials, or local community classes are great places to start.

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• Break Down Big Tasks:

  Chris learned from Cirque du Soleil how to break longer pieces of music into shorter sequences. This is a brilliant strategy for revision! Instead of staring at a massive textbook, break your study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks. Your brain will thank you.

  

  
  

• Mind Games and Puzzles:

  Chess, Sudoku, crosswords, or even online brain-training apps can help sharpen your focus, problem-solving skills, and memory.

  
  

• Prioritise Sleep:

  Your brain does a lot of important work while you're sleeping, including consolidating memories. Aim for around 8-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Put those phones away before bed!

  
  

• Move Your Body:

  Physical activity, even a brisk walk, increases blood flow to your brain, which is essential for optimal function. It also helps with stress reduction, which can definitely impact your ability to focus.

Chris Hemsworth's journey shows that with dedication and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve incredible things and, more importantly, build a stronger, more resilient brain.

So, next time you're revising for a test or learning a tricky new concept in tuition, remember that you're not just studying; you're actively supercharging your brain!

What new skill are you going to try to learn to boost your brain power? Let us know in the comments below!