Ways to Strengthen the Brain

Yesterday’s post featured truths about the brain that have been discovered through science; an interesting one included the debunked myth that our brains form in childhood with little room for change. We now understand that the neuroplasticity of our brain allows flexibility – that we can create new pathways that allow us to adapt to new experiences or ways of thinking.

In an article entitled “5 Brain Exercises to Strengthen Your Mind” by Kendra Cherry and featured on verywellmind, we learn ways that we can keep our minds sharp. A few to feature include:

• The overall goal of keeping the body and mind healthy. Cherry speaks of the importance of both exercise and proper nutrition in preventing brain shrinkage and cognitive impairment in our later years. This includes movement, eating healthy and keeping our alcohol consumption low.
• Drawing a map of your town from memory. I love this one! Most likely because it is narrative in nature; the idea that our neighbourhood becomes engrained in our memory due in large part to experience. I even went so far as to do my hometown map, as well as the neighbourhood map of my grandparent’s home (as it carries many good memories for me.) Cherry notes, “While you might feel like you can navigate the streets of your neighborhood with your eyes closed, try challenging your brain by actually drawing a map of your town or neighborhood from memory. No cheating! Try to include major streets, major side streets, and local landmarks.”
• Seek social interactions. As we continue to navigate into the science of how connection provides meaning, we can also begin to see the effects it has in creating feel good hormones for our brain. Although this can include spending time with family and friends, Cherry also notes considering volunteering as a way to form social connections.

When we take care of our brain, we add to our overall wellness.  Sounds like a good plan to me 🙂

To read the full article: https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-exercises-to-strengthen-your-mind-2795039

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Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@esdesignisms