4. Play Word Games
Word games engage parts of your brain you may not realize: memory, creativity, cognition, and language skills. Whether alone or with a group, challenge yourself (and your friends) to stay sharp. It can have long-term effects to stave off disease.
5. Concentrate on One Thing at a Time
Contrary to what modern employers think, your brain cannot literally multitask. Your focus is either on one thing or another with the rest pushed to the periphery. Multitasking can actually reduce productivity by up to 40 percent. To be productive and get the most from your brain, do one thing at a time and give it all of your attention. Once completed to your satisfaction, you can move to the next thing. You can accomplish much more with good quality rather than doing things half-baked but satisfactory.
6. Speak Another Language
Learning a new language exercises almost every part of your brain. Beside impressing your friends, it can open doors to you in the form of learning about other cultures’ history and traditions. You can take a class at a community college or online or get a package at your library. It’s fascinating to see how English connects with other languages and is worth exploring for the interest factor. (At least) one new thing every day is good for your brain.
7. Be Creative at Night
Your brain can be more creative when you’re tired. Logic and social mores take a back seat as your mind wanders. Use it to your advantage and do something creative before going to bed. It’s a nice transition from the daily routine to probe the more emotional aspects of yourself; paint, write, play music—whatever you enjoy.
8. Eat Smart
Nutrition is vital to your brain’s health. If you don’t think you’re getting enough or the right combination of vitamins and minerals in your daily diet, a multivitamin supplement may help. If you do decide to take a supplement, whole-food, organic ones are best. Synthetic vitamins, like any other human-made product, don’t metabolize properly in your body.
Related: Fish Oil Prevents Brain Shrinkage in Eight-Year Study
9. Write Things Down With a Pen
Journaling was common until the advent of the personal computer. There is a big difference between typing something on a keyboard and writing with pencil and paper: the physical act of writing with your hand engages the r