Dynamic activities like
climbing a tree could be a simple way to improve your working
memory, according to new research.
Researchers found activities that require awareness of the
position of different body parts and strength to complete
movement, are linked to benefits of an individual’s working
memory. These activities include anything from climbing a tree to
balancing on a beam.
They evaluated participants between the ages of 18 and 59 while
testing their working memory before and after the completion of
various dynamic activities, such as climbing a tree, walking on
narrow beams, running barefoot, and navigating obstacle courses.
The study found that participants experienced a 50 percent
improvement in their working memory after completing these
exercises. Just a few minutes of such activity can produce
beneficial effects on working memory.
“By taking a break to do activities that are unpredictable and
require us to consciously adapt our movements, we can boost our
working memory to perform better in the classroom and the
boardroom,” study leader Ross Alloway said. He emphasized that by
doing physical activity that makes us think, we are exercising our
brains as well.
Those in the medical field say working memory helps humans
actively process information, making it easier to perform
day-to-day tasks and often increasing performance. The findings
were published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skill. Some
of us are already smart enough to not climb a tree.