Every time you interact with the world, your brain learns and grows. Active thinking and all kinds of physical activity improve brain function and can protect against cognitive decline. The human brain is a very flexible organ that can continually adapt and rewire itself based on activity, even as we age. The Franklin Institute Online suggests that though severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, most age-related losses in memory or motor skills are the result of inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In this article, we’ll take a look at how our brains can learn to form new connections and what simple tasks and exercises can be done to help your brain stay young.
Throughout your life, the neurons in your brain respond to each new stimulus and every learning experience. Each time this happens, the neurons in your brain reorganize or reinforce neuron pathways. A healthy, active neuron can be linked to thousands of other neurons making the potential for millions of new connections. This is why memory can be sparked not just from repeating the exact same experience, but by any aspect of a similar experience. Think about how a certain song or wonderful aroma can conjure up a memory. Your brain is literally changing each time you learn something new! So, simple tasks and exercises can stimulate your brain and build these receptors and connections keeping your brain young.
While crossword puzzles, math tasks, and even bingo are activities that can help your brain stay young, so too, can other more simple tasks. For example, try using your non-dominant hand to dial the phone, use the remote, or brush your teeth. Though at first it will be difficult to be precise and accurate with your motions, fear not, because this awkwardness is a good thing. It means that your brain is learning a new skill! Challenge yourself to try something new or different every day. Venture out of your comfort zone by driving a different route to or from work, learn a new hobby, or meet some new people. Even if you never repeat the exact same activity, you have created a new connection for your brain to use! A recent study even showed that one hour per week of doing internet searches resulted in an increase in the working memory of study participants over the age of 55.
The Franklin Institute Online suggests that we try to include one or more of our senses when doing a task. For example, get dressed with your eyes closed or in the dark (make sure you are sitting down to do this to minimize the risk of falling). Share a meal and use only visual cues to communicate. Listen to music while smelling a bouquet of flowers. Listen to the rain and tap your fingers at the same time. The point is, give your brain multiple opportunities to flex its muscle and grow. A passive life does not promote a young and vibrant brain.
Activate your life, activate your brain, be healthy and stay young.