By Caroline Godin

Do you train your brain? It’s not just about completing trivia games and tricky puzzles.

You train your body consistently to be an effective firefighter. If not, you risk not doing your job well. Your brain needs to be in good shape to perform well, too. But do you train it the same?

Body vs. the Brain

Bodybuilders and acrobats have different body types, yet they both train specifically for performance. A bodybuilder works on lifting, while an acrobat focuses on flexibility and accuracy. The common factor is consistent training to maintain and increase their skills.

Your brain needs constant training. If you don’t use a muscle, it weakens. If you don’t use your brain, you lose focus, forget things, and process information more slowly. It’s essential to train your brain to both maintain and increase your mental skills.

How should you do it? It seems clear in some professions: A scientist studies research. A doctor practices medicine and learns about new procedures. Teachers, lawyers, and most professions need to keep up with continuing education, and continuous practice, to stay on top of their jobs.

What about first responders?…