3 bizzare hacks for a smarter brain, according to a Harvard neuroscientist

Just like our physical bodies, our brains need exercise too. While we do a lot for a healthy body such as exercise, diet etc, when it comes to the brain, we often tend to take it easy thinking that the brain functions on auto mode. However, your brain needs exercise as much as your body, if not more. And how does one exercise the brain? By doing brain stimulating activities like puzzles, games etc. Apart from these, there are some odd habits that work too! According to Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods, these are 3 unlikely brain hacks that really work to make your brain sharper, provided you do them consistently!

Chewing gum isn’t just for fresh breath or fighting boredom actually. Neuroscientists have found that the act of chewing can actually boost blood flow to important parts of your brain, like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These areas are linked to learning, focus, and memory. The repetitive motion of chewing increases oxygen and glucose supply, which helps you stay alert and reduces stress.

Benefits of Chewing Gum:

Improves memory and attention

Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety

Increases alertness and productivity

May help with appetite control and digestion

It might look strange, but walking backward—also called “retro walking”—is gaining attention as a powerful brain hack. When you walk backward, your brain has to work harder to coordinate your movements and keep you balanced. This activates neural pathways that aren’t used as much during regular walking, boosting cognitive control, memory recall, and mental focus.

Why Try Walking Backward?

Increases activity in the prefrontal cortex (the brain’s problem-solving center)

Improves memory and attention

Enhances balance and coordination

Burns more calories than walking forward

Even just imagining yourself walking backward can improve your memory test scores! Experts recommend starting slowly and safely—try it on a flat surface, keep your head up, and be aware of your surroundings. (remove all obstacles that can make you trip)

Humming isn’t just for passing time! It’s a surprisingly powerful way to relax your mind and body. When you hum, you stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps control your body’s “rest and digest” system. This lowers anxiety, releases relaxing hormones, and helps you feel more at ease.

How Humming Helps:

Reduces stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone)

Triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals

Improves breathing and lung function

Can help relieve headaches and promote better sleep

Lowers blood pressure and heart rate

Some yoga practices even use humming (like the “bee breath” technique) to help people relax and focus. Try humming a simple tune or just making a gentle “mmm” sound when you’re feeling tense.

You might wonder how such simple actions can have such a big impact. The answer lies in the brain’s amazing ability to change and adapt—what scientists call “neuroplasticity.” When you do something new or unusual, like walking backward or chewing gum, you activate different parts of your brain and create new connections. This helps your brain stay flexible, sharp, and resilient.

These hacks also work by:

Increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain

Stimulating nerves that control relaxation and stress

Distracting your mind from negative thoughts or worries

Encouraging deep, mindful breathing

In short, these odd habits give your brain a gentle “wake-up call,” helping you break out of mental ruts and feel more balanced.

Learning new skills: This is especially important if you are over 40. Pick up a hobby you have never tried before, and see how it challenges your brain.

Learn a new language: The more languages you speak, the more your brain works! Pick up a language you always wanted to learn, but never had the time.

Socialise: Yes, even if you are an introvert, socialising is great for your brain, as it simulates in the presence of new people, and soaks in new experiences by listening to their stories.