Brain Exercises A Few Ideas

by Susan Ingraham, BCRPA-Certified Fitness Instructor

We know that if we exercise the brain, we may decrease the chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia by encouraging new nerve cell growth and increasing communication between nerve cells. Some studies suggest that these activities will continue to stimulate the brain for up to five years.

Below are some ways you can exercise your brain (in addition to attending fitness class). There are many possibilities; these are just a few. The goal is simple: challenge the brain to do something different. If you already do them, great! If you find something new on the list and it intrigues you, feel free to give it a try.

New Skills

🚶 Physical

• Try a new physical activity: golf, lawn bowling, swimming, tai chi, dancing, yoga, badminton — to name just a few.
• Challenge your non-dominant hand or foot: Eat or write with the non-dominant hand; shift your weight to the non-dominant foot while at the kitchen sink.

🃏 Mental

• Learn to read music and/or play an instrument (if you played an instrument in your youth, play it again).
• Play card games or purchase apps on your phone to play.
• Learn a foreign language.
• Learn to use new technology: computers and accessories, phones, video games.

🧠 Brain Games

• Do crossword or Sudoku puzzles.
• Try math problems or brain teasers.
• Memorize a list worth remembering (e.g. Canadian provinces).
• Memorize poetry, literary passages, or famous sayings that you enjoy.
• Don’t look at your shopping list but, before you buy, check it.

📖 Reading and Writing

• Read out loud (to your spouse, your grandchildren, or your friends).
• Read magazines, newspapers, novels, non-fiction — whatever you enjoy.
• Keep a diary of your daily activities.
• Write your own poetry or prose.

🛌 Healthy Habits

• Exercise (at least 30 minutes 5 times per week).
• Build muscles (moderate levels 2-3 times a week).
• Eat a brain-healthy diet. (Include nuts, whole grains, and fresh produce. Avoid trans fats, but enjoy a glass of red wine and a dark chocolate square occasionally.)
• Establish a regular sleep schedule. (Note: If you have specific problems with insomnia, you may need to see your doctor.)
• Do breathing exercises or meditate regularly.
• Each time you shop, take a different route.