Nurture a Healthy Brain #1
You have probably heard the words neuro and plasticity more in the past 5 years than ever before. Besides research into neurological diseases and cures, loads of work is being done on the potential, capacity, and health of the brain.
Dr. Michael Merzenich, among others, suggests that brain exercise will become as normal and expected as physical exercise in the coming years. In that spirit, here are 8 simple ways that Dr. Merzenich boosts his own brain plasticity:
1. Do 15 minutes or more of outside work in a vegetable or flower garden. Enjoy the smells, sounds, and sensations.
2. Take a 30 minute brisk walk most days.
3. Do some form of brain exercise games such as Elevate, BrainHQ, Lumosity, or another option.
4. Make something. Whether you work in wood, clay, yarn, paint, or some other medium, create something.
5. Walk barefoot on grass, rocks, or stone. Notice the sensations that fire up from your feet to your brain.
6. Try sudoku, crossword puzzles, or jigsaw puzzles.
7. Engage in a culturally stimulating event such as theater, concert, or art festival.
8. Interact with other people. Dinner friends, support groups, reading groups, small groups…these all have the potential to stimulate the brain.
See, these aren’t so bad. You’re probably already doing some of these. If not, try one or more today to boost your brain plasticity!
Worth Repeating
Mature individuals have the capacity to rejuvenate their brains.
-Dr. Michael Merzenich
