Working Solo Minute: Brain Food for Soloists

And now for a change of pace... Let's chat for a minute about a health issue that's often overlooked by soloists.

Most soloists make their living by brain power. We're typically knowledge workers, expending mental instead of physical energy. We're also constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, from major to the mundane.

Since it's important that we maintain peak performance in our mental capabilities, here are three ways to build your brain power.

1. Puzzle it out.
Scientists have discovered that the brain needs as much of a workout as your other muscles. Flex your mind and check out the puzzles at the Brain Food Web site or books such as Tom Wujek's Five Star Mind (see below).

2. Choose the right fuel.
Medical professionals tell us that foods high in Omega-3s are good brain food. Also, if you're looking for something to get your mental energies going when you hit that afternoon slump, try a banana instead of that candy bar. Here's why it provides speedier afternoon thinking.

3. Drink up.
The brain is 80% water, and all that water acts as a transport mechanism for the approximately 100 billion neurons sending signals throughout your body. Not enough water and the signals can't flow as quickly or easily. So keep some water handy throughout the day to maintain your mental sharpness.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com