Scientists do not have definite information on the intricate workings of the brain. The human brain is a complex and impressive organ with 86 billion neurons and thousands of synapses per neuron. The neural networks that make up the brain perform a variety of functions such as collecting sensory information and responding to stimuli, learning and making decisions. Through continuous studies, scientists are discovering new things about the functions of the brain and debunking myths that were once considered to be fact. For example, it was once believed that different parts of the brain-- right and left-- control different functions and people are either "right-brained" or "left-brained." Although it is true that sometimes there is a preference to use a region of their brain for certain functions, scientists have found that the concept of being "right brained" or "left brained" does not exist.
Earlier, it was believed by most that the right brain was the home of spatial recognition abilities, visual and artistic aptitude, and musical skills whereas the left brain’s dominant features included language aptitude, logical reasoning, and rational skills like mathematical capabilities. Scientists now believe however that creativity and analytical thinking require the use of the entire brain and it is the connections between different brain regions that make these tasks possible. So a mathematician and a musician rely on all brain regions to perform their work.
In today's popular culture, many self-development tools rely on this notion of being "right-brained" or "left-brained." Considering new studies that disprove the notion, it is best not to get caught up on these categorizations and labels. The brain is very capable of change. It can learn and make new connections between neurons. The best brain development exercises are exercises that encourage the brain to make these new connections. So someone who is weak in math can engage regularly in math problems and logic puzzles to strengthen this skill.
Some companies sell workbooks or computer games geared towards brain improvement. These products can be helpful but are not always necessary. Brain activities exist in many everyday tasks. Forcing one’s self to balance the checkbook without a calculator, or estimate a grocery tab based on items in the cart are simple everyday exercises that will strengthen analytical skills. Solving crossword puzzles, making new words out of the letters in a given word or sentence and making lists and ordering items in closets or cupboards count are some other exercises. The goal of these exercises is to tap into analytical reasoning and logic, and no one method is necessarily better than another.
