To be energetic and lean, our body needs physical activity. But exercise isn't just for muscles and joints. Do you want to stay sane and have a solid memory for a long time? Then you need to train your brain daily. Your task is to help your head build new neural pathways. It is for such purposes that a special system of exercises has been created, practically "aerobics for neurons" - neurobics. What is its essence and how exactly does it help to improve brain function, explains Vladimir Zhivotov, an osteopathic doctor and cranioposturologist.
Our brain is a unique phenomenon. He can adapt to the most difficult circumstances and master the most difficult skills. But over time, almost any work task becomes familiar and routine for him. The exception is people whose ability to memorize and create is always involved - artists, teachers, writers. The secret is that for each new task, the brain forms special neural paths. At the same time, the number of new neural connections increases, as new cells and new pathways are involved. When things become habitual, neural pathways are already, alas, not updated, the work of the brain is literally "on the knurled". What to do? Help the brain build new neural pathways. Let's start with the simplest exercises.
- Change your hand. If you are right-handed, brush your teeth with your left hand; if you are left-handed, delegate this task to your right hand. Try signing your most important documents or drawing simple shapes with a less active hand. Stir tea for her in a mug.
- Focus on bright smells. Open a bag of coffee beans, tea or herbs and inhale slowly, focusing on the aroma. Are you cooking dinner? Close your eyes and smell the spices. To "wake up" your brain, buy some essential oils and get familiar with a new scent every morning. The aromas of citrus and leuzea increase efficiency and concentration.
- Turn off your vision. Shower with your eyes closed: tactile sensations also activate some areas of the brain. In the evening, do not turn on the light in the apartment for some time - carefully walk through the rooms from memory. This will increase your concentration and focus. In addition, other senses are sharply activated in the dark.
- Learn coins. Put coins of different denominations in your pocket, you can 2 different sizes. Learn to distinguish them by touch, compare with each other. This exercise is not only good for your brain, but also convenient: it allows you to perfectly pass the time when needed.
- Solve puzzles. Don't forget about crosswords, puzzles, logic tasks. Collect puzzles, play chess, play solitaire. You can come up with rhymes for words, for example, set a task: at least 3 rhymes for each word. Play associations.
- Read aloud. When we read aloud or listen to someone else reading, different neural circuits are activated in our head than when we read silently. Reading aloud allows you to more involve the right "creative" hemisphere of the brain. It is excellent to do this exercise by reversing the roles of reader and listener with another person.
- See the world upside down. If a familiar object is standing in front of you in a normal position, the left ("verbal") side of the brain quickly recognizes it and switches attention to something else. But if you turn this object over, the right side of the brain will be turned on to recognize the unfamiliar image. Turn "upside down" photos of loved ones, written words, calendar, clock and carefully examine.
Come up with your exercises, experiment. And don't forget to constantly excite your brain with new experiences - be it sounds, smells, images, or tasks.
About the author:
Vladimir Zhivotov
Photo: Getty Images
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