THINK SMART: A NEUROSCIENTIST'S PRESCRIPTION FOR IMPROVING YOUR BRAIN'S PERFORMANCE
by Richard Restak

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Discussion Questions

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PART OF
REWARDS: a Multi-Part Learning Program

1. The author presents a number of suggestions on improving your brain health. What one suggestion stands out in your mind?

2. Have you made any changes in your lifestyle after reading the book? Can you share any of these changes with the group?

3. The author discourages multi-tasking, as it wastes time, makes us less productive, and creates stress. (pp. 199-201) Your thoughts?

4. Early in the book the author uses examples of different people having different areas of the brain strengthened based on their occupations; cabbies and musicians, etc. (p. 13) Teens can also affect their brain development based on their activities. (pp. 17-18) Do these ideas make you consider what is happening to your own brain and its development?

5. What suggestions does the author make about diet to improve brain function?

6. The author uses the example of a growing tomato to emphasize the importance of sleep and naps. Is his example effective enough to convince you?

7. What kinds of mental exercises do you do to mentally stimulate your brain?

8. The author encourages everyone to have a "magnificent obsession." What is this and why is it important? (p. 245)

9. The author discusses three kinds of memory: sensory, long-term, and short-term, or working. (p. 66) Do you know the differences between these memories?

Created November 2009