Exercising your brain is one of the best ways to increase cognizance, maintain motor functions, and keep the mind sharp. Like any part of your body, you need to exercise your brain to keep it functioning well. With that in mind, here are some simple ways to exercise the brain.
Pick up a book
Reading helps the brain to identify unique symbols and word patterns, and it can also help individuals strengthen their vocabulary and grammar usage. The more that a person reads, the more intellectual they become, and that is why it is so important for children to begin reading at an early age (preferably by age 3) so that they will be able to properly articulate words as they mature.
Try reading various styles of books too, including:
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Self Help or how-to’s
- History of any literary works
Write something down regularly
When a person is able to express himself or herself creatively through the use of pencil/pen and paper, it demonstrates how the mind is capable of putting thoughts, opinions, and feelings in sentence form, which sometimes can be very challenging when trying to share those thoughts with others.
Here are some ways to use writing as a form of expression:
- Poetry
- Personal diary
- Screenplays
- Essays, and etc
Just dance
Learning a new dance step is another good way to exercise the brain, and is also one way to memorize patterns and sequences. This is especially true when a person creates his or her own dance moves. Dancing can also be very exciting and provides cardiac and aerobic benefits for the heart. So get up from the chair every once in a while, and move that body.
Geek out on math and science
Math and science are somewhat challenging subjects to study, but they are essential tools needed for lifelong problem-solving. Problem-solving is used in everyday scenarios such as:
- Traveling from point A to point B
- Figuring out grocery and shopping totals
- Telling Time, etc
Basic math skills exercise the brain by using various calculations to find solutions.
Let’s not forget about the everyday use of science and how it can be used to exercise the brain:
- Mixing certain ingredients for cooking
- Inventions
- Home maintenance, etc
Do a puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles and brain teasers can help keep the brain in shape. Puzzles are great for people of all ages. Pinterest and Google are two great places to find millions of puzzles that can be downloaded or printed out.
As the saying goes, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Therefore everyone should keep it healthy with mentally stimulating activities or physical activities that will help to keep the mind strong.
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.