WAYS TO EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN
The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is
important. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Some people speak of that animating, unseen part of each of
us as the soul. I like to think of it as the Mind. Whatever you call it,
solving what the mystery about it is can be one of life's greatest, most fun,
most enjoyable and most rewarding experiences. You'll want it to always be
healthy and one way to do that is to exercise your brain.
When the soul or the mind "leaves," the bodies can
no longer move, so we might think of that invisible part of us as the animating
factor. If it is the mind (as I like to think about it), we're in for good
news, because the mind can animate and think, and by governing it's thinking,
can therefore govern the life experiences that get created with this very
thinking.
Some people think that cognition ought to be enhanced to
keep you from experiencing mental problems, which are generally thought of as
"in the brain." I speak here of memory loss, dementia, bi-polar
problems, Alzheimers, a sense of aging, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),
and poor performance in school, to name but a few.
The mind needs to be exercised, just as the body does, and
exercises are beneficial in reducing the experience of some of these
brain-related problems. Solving puzzles, brainteasers, discussing opposing
ideas, creative painting or sculpting are just a few ways to engage the mind
and keep it youthful and healthy.
There are those who think it isn't necessary to become
"old" and that any sense of decay or death is an admission that we
are impermanent beings. If you like to think, as you gain a few years in this
life experience, that you are well, youthful, and mature, you can alleviate
some of the signs of deterioration.
Alcohol is concentrated, so drinking a quantity of alcohol
as you might drink the same quantity of water or sodas is too much for the mind
to absorb, let alone the body. Some people drink so they don't have to face
their emotional pain; the more they drink, the less obvious the pain is. This
affects the mind's ability to think rationally and does not contribute to
wellness.
What Are Some Ways to Exercise Your Brain?
Moving your body in ways currently unknown to you would be
helpful to keep your mind young and well. Learn dancing, try hiking, and march
in a band with your newly learned instrument. All these will make your mind
connections stronger.
Stay active through volunteering or through social clubs.
Meet new friends, and instead of saying "I'm horrible at remembering
names," work hard to remember them. This is a great way to strengthen your
mind's ability. Folks who can interface with others can improve their general
mental performance.
Do things differently. Learn a new way to tie your shoes.
Brush your hair with the hand you seldom use. Eat a meal with your fork in the
other hand. Diversify your routines and your mind will have to work harder (and
get stronger) because of it.
Research what foods are thought of to improve your mind's
functionality. I'll name just a few here so I don't cheat you of the
experience: tomatoes, egg yolks, berries, fish, avocados are just a few. You
might even take a course in nutrition at your local college.
Incorporating some of these ways to exercise your brain into
your daily activities will go far in keeping your mind as healthy as your body.
Comments
But i want to learn how to dance... who will teach me now?