Thursday, June 24, 2010

Brain Boosting

I’m no self-help fanatic, but I do like to keep my brain sharp. When my email homepage listed a link for ways to help with that, I had to click.

What I found actually pleased me. I’m ahead on the curve with these suggestions:

1. Use your non-dominant hand – I spent months writing with my left hand when working in a lawn care office during a slow winter period. The legibility became quite clear by the time spring arrived. I also do things to give the right wrist a physical relief, so it’s nice to know there’s a side benefit.

2. Work out your brain – Just for fun I took up learning Japanese and, let me tell you, it’s a fun challenge. Word search puzzles used to be a favorite pastime and I still like to read upside down occasionally. The options are limitless but I don’t think this passive online game counts: Sushi Cat. What can I say? Sushi cat is adorable and I fell under his spell exactly twice. That’s all, I swear.

3. Move your fingers – Someone actually suggested I use a squeeze ball while studying Japanese and I think it makes a difference. Also interesting, the article brings up the connection between Asian intelligence and the use of chopsticks. I bought a set that is specifically made to Japanese standards; they’re pointed instead of square. My partner thinks I’m crazy.

4. Stimulate brain acuity with self-massage – Pressure points are mentioned in the article. I recall a former boyfriend being quite familiar with them. Oh, yeah. Wait, sorry, I digress. Anyway, I’d prefer to have a friend work on this part. I’ll be visiting a local spa in a few weeks. It’s timed to coincide with my colleague’s return from a two week vacation. I’ll probably need more than a massage by then, but one can always hope.

Thank you, Dr. Mao. Here is the article if you’d like to read for yourself:

4 Exercises to Sharpen Your Brain

Now, go stimulate your brain!

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7 comments:

  1. I'm a believer of exercising the brain. I love logic puzzles and brain teasers and games that provide mental challenges. The self message thing - I'd never heard of before, very interesting. And I sure hope writing/typing count as getting those fingers moving! :)

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  2. Glad you're keeping your mind active, Tatiana, and writing! Thank you for the comment.

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  3. Oh, yeah...I'm quite familiar with Dr. Mao as I have both Brain Age 1 and 2 for the Nintendo DS. He can be pretty mean if you haven't "played" in a while. I also love crosswords and do crafts such as cross-stitch and stamping my own card - who knew that was good for the brain! Have not played the violin in quite a while though. Oops...

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  4. Oh, Heather, I hope you pull out that instrument. What a lovely way to exercise the gray matter!

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  5. Darla: Not just a good way to exercise the gray matter, playing an instrument can be both invigorating and relaxing at the same time. I confess, it's the fact I have to replace a string and it's been ages since I've done so that has me constantly putting it off, LOL.

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  6. Music is one thing I couldn't live without, Heather, even though I long ago gave up my mediocre trombone playing. Heh... I hope you replace that string and enjoy jumping back in. Best wishes!

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  7. This could be very helpful. I try to do little things, like avoid using a calculator when the math isn't too complicated. My day usually has a good variety of brain activities, but adding more is a good idea. Thanks!

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