Play Your Way to a Better Brain
During my early childhood education I was taught I’d been born with a finite set of brain cells—so I’d better take care of them (i.e. Don’t use drugs!). Indeed, it had long been recognized that our brain cells die off as life progresses, and so the accepted truth about growing older was our brain cell count would steadily diminish. All one could do was hope they didn’t wind up with dementia in the end.
Today we no longer need to have a “wait and see attitude” when it comes to our minds. The field of brain research has brought to light some exciting new discoveries! We now know that the brain is, indeed, capable of making new brain cells throughout life. Scientists have also discovered numerous ways we can bolster up our brain power by creating a brain reserve. Much like the Army’s Reserve, a brain reserve provides back up forces—extra brain cells and extra connections between brain cells—which can move into a frontline position if and when the original brain “soldiers” suffer loss.
If you’d like to think faster, learn more, and forget less, today, tomorrow, and on into your sunset years, then I say “Let the games begin!” One proven way to grow more brain cells and to strengthen the ones you already have is to incorporate some “mental gymnastics” into your day. In order to be effective, mental exercise must challenge your memory, focus, and concentration.
Here is a list of some playful ways to sprinkle some Miracle Gro® on your brain today:
- Word search
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku
- Picture/object search
- Ball and Jacks
- Concentration
- Jenga
- Pick Up Sticks
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Connect Four
A mind truly is a terrible thing to waste—so why not usher in this New Year with a good, ole fashioned game night?!