We all know the benefits of regular exercise for our bodies, but how about exercise for our minds? There’s been some TV coverage lately of how (or, rather, if) hand held devices with brain training programmes actually do help. The overall view appears to be that they allow users of these task based programmes to become better at the tasks  but that no increase in brain ‘power’ (whatever that is) was actually observed. However, isn’t an increased ability to become better at the task a good thing too? It certainly is if that task is how to become a better manager or leader within your business.

The Learning and Skills Council recently undertook research into how people keep their brains healthy. It found:

• 32% take no exercise to stimulate the brain
• 68% prefer ad-hoc training with only 17% choosing structured learning e.g. night classes
• 32% spend between £20 and £100 pm on their body yet 18% spend nothing at all on their mind development needs (Spark would have asked ‘how much are you prepared to spend on buying a car’, then comparing that to how much people are willing to spend on self development!)

The professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, said “our brains need to be stimulated and challenged through ongoing learning in the same way our bodies need to be kept fit. This will ensure we see off the ravages of time which contribute to the decline of cognitive power. Just as our muscles grow as we exercise them, so do our brains physically strengthen as we learn. Continually refreshing your skills and knowledge is important at every stage and age in life and the benefits will be seen and last an entire lifetime.

Here at Spark, we totally subscribe to the above! Our business based experience is that ‘Learners are Earners’ both for themselves, the businesses they serve, their clients and customers, and for many, the communities in which they operate and live. So, give it a go – get some mind food for better business performance!