Brain Fitness at Home
The team of tutor’s at Help! compiled this list of simple mental fitness exercises. Please take a look and read their comments on the list. I have added my own take here, they go into more detail.
Unlike what “they always say,” do try these at home. You don’t even have to have permission from your physician.
1. Use Your Opposite Hand
Just try opening the door for a day with your non-dominant hand — When I set out to try this, I can make it to about my second door until I practice for a while.
2. Shop without a List
I don’t know about this one. I don’t use lists and it often costs me dearly.
3. Engage in Conversations Each Day
I wonder if online conversations count? I am a notorious Twitterer. I work alone, and conversations are a challenge to get in every day. Thank goodness for Holly who won’t let me get away without talking.
4. Read New Books
Read books outside your area of expertise. Read books you absolutely disagree with. Someone once told me that the best way to test your own pet theories is to do your best to prove them wrong.
5. Exercise Your Body
Turns out that exercise may be one of the very best ways to imprrove your memory.
6. Change Your Daily Routine
This is something I am not so sure about. I think it is important to have a daily routine. Take a look at Daily Routines, Mason Currey’s Blog about the rituals of the famous and creativee. I think it is important to first have a routine to break, then to think about breaking it. Take it from one with an entirely too unstructured life.
7. Start a Project
Start something, discover what you truly value, and go from there.
8. Use Your Other Senses
- Breathe, what do you smell?
- Go clothes shopping. When you find a rack of clothing, close your eyes and see what things feel like to your fingers.
- Take a nature walk and improve your memory.
- Dream.
9. Expand Your Vocabulary-Try learning a new word every day.
Speaks for iteslf.
10. Pay Attention to the Tiny Details
Here is one I will sork on myself. I am known for my broad brush view of the world; a little more detail wouldn’t hurt.
How about this — what if you do the opposite of your normal, just for a day. Twyla Tharp, in her excellent book, the Creative Habit talks about people’s differences in the long view and the close view. Do the opposite. See what it feels like.
11. Ditch the Calculator
Use your head
12. Play a Game
You could try a sample of the brain improvement programs you’ll find on this page. Most of them offer tryout programs. I recommend them highly.
13. Try Multitasking
Just don’t do it while you are driving. Better yet, don’t do it at all. Not that I am good at it myself, but what is wrong with one thing at a time?
Photo by james_michael_hill
Video Credit – Brain Rules, John Medina Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (Book & DVD) Click to Buy
13 Mental Fitness Exercises to Keep You Sharp | HELP! Educational Blog.
What do you do to keep your brain training up?
What works? What doesn’t?
Mike
Photo Credit – Tony the Misfit
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I exercise as the key component to a healthy 61 year old brain. I am with you on some of the rules above, I work alone, and do not get lots of conversation. Have to do it online. I use some of the brain fitness programs to stretch the axons and flex the dendrites. It is really hard to read the yellow on your blog, might want to darken it.
Mike,
I appreciate your comments. Getting my blood pumping with exercise is one of those brain fitness challenges that I puch my self to stick to every day. I will take a look at the color on the blog – I REALLY appreciate that feedback.
Mike