A lot of people put forth so much effort to keep their bodies healthy and strong; I wonder how many are as adamant in keeping their brains as healthy.
Here’s the good news! Numerous studies have shown that the human brain has an amazing ability to adapt and change; and this ability is known as neuroplasticity. With the right stimulation or brain “exercise”, the brain actually forms new neural pathways which help in increasing cognitive capabilities and in improving the ability to learn new information. It also enhances the memory, which is very invaluable as a person ages.
The key here is stimulating the brain using new brain exercises. Why new? The reason is simple: because the goal is for the brain to create new neural pathways.
Here’s why: as a person matures in age, his brain has already created millions and millions of neural pathways. These neural pathways helped him solve problems in the past, gave him information he needed to make decisions. Following the same path, thinking the same thoughts and solving the same problems will not make any difference in the brain. Introducing new brain exercises on the other hand, give the brain new stimulation which gives way to the creation of new neural pathways.
The new neural pathways, again, helps in making better a person’s cognitive capabilities, in improving the ability to learn new things or information, and it enhances memory, something that is very invaluable to people who are not getting any younger.
What Kind of Brain Exercises?
Basically, these activities should be something that you’re not familiar with, something that’s out of your comfort zone. Always remember the goal: to create new neural pathways.
They are called brain boosters – mental activities that will push your brain to think hard. A few examples are the following:
A very challenging crossword puzzle. Choose crossword puzzles with topics that you have very little idea or knowledge about; and do your best to answer them. There are many available crossword puzzles online that are free. If you prefer to use the traditional crossword puzzles where you use pen and paper, go to your favorite bookstore and purchase puzzle books or magazines;
Think Of Numbers
Adding numbers without the use of any gadget such as calculators or adding machines. The simple act of memorizing numbers such as phone numbers and others can also be a very stimulating activity.
Learn a New Song
Learning the lyrics of a new song can also be very stimulating. It may be a song from your younger days, or you may opt to try learning and memorizing newer songs of your liking.
Other activities you can do may include memorizing a poem, lines from a play (if you love plays), quotations from famous people, or even verses in the scripture (from the Bible).
Use Your Non Dominant Hand
Another interesting activity that is said to stimulate the brain towards creating new neural pathways is using the non dominant hand. This means that if you are right-handed, you use your left hand; or if you are left-handed, you use your right hand, in performing simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, writing, when using your computer mouse, when holding the ladle while cooking (just remember: safety first!), or when opening doors for example. Using the non dominant hand stimulates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, which helps in improving the capacity of the brain. It also helps enhance physical balance.
How Often?
Ideally, these activities should be done regularly and consistently. Regularity is essential because consistent cycle aid in the development of new neural pathways, thus, do the activities on a daily basis and at the same time.
