Are you looking for a way to boost your brain power? Incorporating the right habits into your morning routine may do the trick!

While entrepreneurs, executives, and top performers have their own unique strategies for success, you’d be surprised by just how many share the same daily habits.

Tossing a few of these simple exercises into your morning routine may help you start your day on the right foot — and with a supercharged brain.

But first, let’s take a look at exactly what separates geniuses from the rest—and what you can do to become one.

What Makes Someone A Genius?

The interesting thing about the term genius is that there’s really no one size fits all definition. The word finds its roots in the Old Latin,<gignō, which literally means: to produce.

Today, the word has been tied to all sorts of things: intelligence, creativity, art, skill. See? No one size fits all.

Anyone can be a genius in their own right. You might have mechanical genius. Or painting genius. Or poker genius.

Finding what you’re good at and attaining success in that niche is a type of genius. It’s not something you’re born with. It’s something you create.

And you can begin taking steps toward uncovering your own personal genius right now.

How Small Habits Make A Big Difference

Do small daily habits really have the ability to impact our lives? As memory expert, Jim Kwik, says:

“First you make your habits, then your habits make you.”

The daily routines and practices of our lives are more than a means to an end. They’re actively shaping our cognition

So, if we want to become smarter, more successful people, it might be helpful to examine the habits of those who have already attained success.

7 Morning Habits That Increase Your Brainpower

Jim Kwik is a world renowned expert on memory and learning. He helps people around the world unleash their “superbrain” potential, from students at Harvard to executives at Nike and Zappos.

Here are some of Jim’s morning habits that help him get his neurons firing.

1. Make Your Bed

Alright, now before you roll your eyes — no, we didn’t get this one from your mother, and yes, making your bed really is important!

Why? Jim Kwik explains that not only does a clean environment encourage clear thinking but it also helps you begin your day with success. Win-win, right?

2. Drink A Glass Of Water

We all know hydration is important, but this holds especially true first thing in the morning. A dehydrated brain isn’t a happy one, as evidenced by the throbbing in your temples every time your tank runs dry.

After sleep, we’re especially dehydrated and need to replenish our water stores. So, grab a glass and fill ‘er up!

3. Brush Your Teeth With The Opposite Hand

Jim Kwik swears by this one. By brushing your teeth with your less dominant hand, you actually activate the opposite brain hemisphere. Studies indicate that brushing your teeth with your less dominant hand can help build more neural connectivity in the brain.

You’ve gotta brush ‘em anyway, right? Might as well grow your brain power while you’re at it!

4. Take A Deep Breath

Oxygen does the body good. Short, shallow breathing is one of the underlying culprits behind much of the anxiety we experience in the day to day. Anxiety encourages short breathing, and short breathing encourages anxiety. It’s a bad feedback loop if there ever was one.

Take a few deep, cleansing breaths to flush your body and brain with fresh, clean oxygen.

5. Keep A Journal

And not just any journal — a gratitude journal! Gratitude has proven benefits across the boards: physical, emotional, psychological, you name it.

Write down 5 things you’re grateful for at the start of each day. Just a few moments of gratitude can shift your perspective in a big way.

6. Brain Power Smoothie

Nothing like some good nutrition to keep your brain firing on all cylinders, right? Jim Kwik recommends blueberries and avocado alongside your other favorite fruits. Try tossing in some chia seeds for an added boost of omega-3s!

7. 5 Minutes Of Exercise

Jim Kwik does a speedy 3-4 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) every morning to get his blood pumping.

“What’s good for the heart is usually good for the brain,” he explains.

If you’re not in the mood for jumping jacks and high knees in your pajamas, don’t worry. A little light stretching or yoga will also do the trick!

So, which of these morning habits will you incorporate into your daily routine? Tell us in the comments below!

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