Brain Exercises: Four That Keep You Sharp

Brain exercises are just as important as the physical ones you do in the gym. Challenge yourself on a regular basis, and you’ll boost your brainpower and increase your focus.

Here are some great ways to keep your brain in tip-top shape:

1) Break Your Routines

A simple bump in the road can do wonders for brain exercise. Instead of taking your normal route to work, switch it up. Finding a new way forces your brain to move out of autopilot mode and actually do a little navigating. Try going to a different grocery store – each chain has a distinct layout that turns the familiar task of picking up some eggs and milk into a new challenge.

2) Neurobic Exercises

What is a neurobic exercise? It’s a training technique that uses and exercises different senses to improve your brain. Try taking out your keys and unlocking your front door with your eyes closed. Because you’re doing something new and unexpected, little-used connections in your brain are activated and strengthened.

3) Hit the Road

Traveling to a new place revs up your brain and forces you to find new ways to adapt. Whether you’re a hot weather person heading for the ski slopes or a beach bum heading to NYC, you’ll be using different methods of transportation, eating new foods, and taking in new smells. Traveling abroad packs an even bigger punch as you grasp the language, adjust to the culture, and experience a new take on life.

4) I Spy a License Plate

Try to identify passing license plates by just looking at the colors and images. See how many different states you can spot in one trip. This exercise not only gives your memory a workout, but it also challenges your reasoning. For example, if you saw a green and white plate with a ridge of snow-capped mountains across it, you’d know you definitely weren’t looking at a car from Florida. You’d of course be looking at a Coloradan.

Take the time to train your mind. Young or old, it’s never too late to start. Brain exercises can help keep your thinker fit at any age. Did you know that our brain is capable of creating new neurons – no matter what our age? It’s true. So go ahead – work it out!

If you’re interested in more information about your brain, we highly suggest The Brain Channel.