Women Over Fifty—Cross-Train Your Brain!
Unfortunately, like the rest of our body, our brain can get a bit flabby with age. Yep, there’s no denying it—going gray doesn’t necessarily help the little gray cells. But the good news is that we can do something about it!
Just like lifting weights on a regular basis is good for muscle tone, routinely lifting mental weights is good for toning up your gray matter. Mental tasks that require focus and concentration are thought to stimulate and even generate new connections between brain cells. The more complex this web like activity, the sharper and more alert you’ll be.
And, just like exercise physiologists suggest you cross-train your body so that certain muscles don’t become over used while others are ignored, brain specialists recommend the same idea. Even mentally stimulating activities that don’t stretch your abilities and knowledge aren’t all that helpful because they’ll consistently exercise only a certain part of your brain. In order to maximize your potential, you need to vary your mental workouts.
So, try some new things. Even simple activities like putting together a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, memorizing the words to a song, or brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand will tickle the synapses and make them very happy campers. Variety is the spice of life and an array of games and activities that require you to focus and learn new skills will certainly spice up your brainpower!
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November 9th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Prevention.com is very fun.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
This is a wonderful post.
One of my favorite books is Change Your Brain, Change Your Life by Dr. Amen. He give so many great tips in there, too.
Our brains are so important. We need to give them the best nutrition, the best stimulating input, and care!!
Thankyou for sharing!
Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com
September 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Great information, thank you!
September 13th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Okay, I’m going to do something creative with my left hand today! But if it looks anything like how my left hand writes it’s going to be pretty sad, lol!
September 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I have enjoyed playing the Brain Games by Prevention.com. They are fun and have challenged my brain, and my patienced! LOL
September 12th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I love the idea of cross training your brain. it makes so much sense. If you want a healthy, active body you have to cross train with a combination of weights and cardio, so why not give yourself the complete makeover with a brain train.
I think I’ll go out and buy a game of truth or dare for hubby and me to play. We’ll be exercising a lot! (wink)
September 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
If I brushed my teeth with my non-dominant hand, I would be at the bathroom sink for at least an hour.
But what the heck, I’m going to try it.
Bear((( )))