Hi Readers,
I thought this might be a good time to repeat this post. The popularity of Nintendo's Brain training is testament to that! So here you go .. 10 ways to exercise the mind.
Allen
In many ways the mind is like a muscle i.e. if you don’t exercise the mind – it can weaken. Like a muscle, if you regularly test it with exercise, the brain will be become stronger and stay fit and alert. I am sure there are many more spiritual or deeper methods of exercising the mind but in keeping with the theme of my blog I like to keep things simple.
With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.
1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.
2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!
3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!
4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.
5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!
6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .
7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.
8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.
9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.
10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!
What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?
Good Luck!,
Allen
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Comments and that ..
Hi Everyone,
I have a confession. I have been feeling guilty that I have not been responding to your comments in the way I would like to. I have no excuse other than I am a very busy person and sometimes before I know it, weeks have passed and I have not responded to comments on my blog.
What I will say is that I will try an improve upon this (after all this is supposed to be a personal development blog). I read every comment and I appreciate deeply the time and effort you take to pass comment on my scribbles on life.
I hope you all have a relaxing weekend and please be kind to my mistakes.
Peace,
Allen
I have a confession. I have been feeling guilty that I have not been responding to your comments in the way I would like to. I have no excuse other than I am a very busy person and sometimes before I know it, weeks have passed and I have not responded to comments on my blog.
What I will say is that I will try an improve upon this (after all this is supposed to be a personal development blog). I read every comment and I appreciate deeply the time and effort you take to pass comment on my scribbles on life.
I hope you all have a relaxing weekend and please be kind to my mistakes.
Peace,
Allen
Monday, September 03, 2007
Hope and Encouragement ....
Two women, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One was allowed to sit up in her bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from her lungs. Her bed was next to the room's only window. The other woman had to spend all her time flat on her back. The women talked for hours on end. They spoke of their families, their homes, their jobs, their travels.
Every afternoon when the woman in the bed by the window could sit up, she would pass the time by describing to her roommate all the things she could see outside the window.
The woman in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where her world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
As the woman by the window described the scenery in exquisite detail, the woman on the other side of the room would close her eyes and imagine the picturesque scene; a park with a lovely lake, ducks and swans playing on the water while children sailed their model boats, young lovers walking arm in arm amidst flowers of every color, the city skyline.
One warm afternoon the woman by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other woman couldn't hear the band - she could see it in her mind's eye.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the woman by the window, who had died peacefully in her sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other woman asked if she could be moved next to the window.
Slowly, painfully, she propped herself up on one elbow to take her first look at the real world outside. She strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. She asked the nurse what could have compelled her deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
--- Author Unknown
Every afternoon when the woman in the bed by the window could sit up, she would pass the time by describing to her roommate all the things she could see outside the window.
The woman in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where her world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
As the woman by the window described the scenery in exquisite detail, the woman on the other side of the room would close her eyes and imagine the picturesque scene; a park with a lovely lake, ducks and swans playing on the water while children sailed their model boats, young lovers walking arm in arm amidst flowers of every color, the city skyline.
One warm afternoon the woman by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other woman couldn't hear the band - she could see it in her mind's eye.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the woman by the window, who had died peacefully in her sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other woman asked if she could be moved next to the window.
Slowly, painfully, she propped herself up on one elbow to take her first look at the real world outside. She strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. She asked the nurse what could have compelled her deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
--- Author Unknown
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