Brain Care: Part 5 - This One Is Fun!

Time to read: 37 seconds

Me, doing something new. A self-driving car!

We are well into fall. I hope you are settled into your fall routine and feeling more at ease. Today is the last element to enhance neuroplasticity, novelty.

The brain likes to be stretched, to do and learn new things. Using your brain keeps your brain flexible into the future. It’s easy to add new things into your life.

Here is your simple challenge:

  • Take on a new project at work (bonus: work and novelty together)
  • ead books (each book takes you to a new world)
  • Walk a different route with your dog. See and think about new things.
  • If you have time, develop a new habit…learn to play piano or knit or grow tomatoes.
  • Join a new activity with other people. That will yield new conversations and generate new interests and friendships.
  • Make a new recipe for dinner.

Adding new things to your life doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Simply figure out ways to add new elements to things you already do. Your brain will thank you.

Welcome to fall. Your brain is all set to go!

 

Brain Care: Part 3 - Mindfulness

Time to read: 37 seconds

Gorgeous vintage teapot

I talked about movement and food. The third element of neuroplasticity (brain flexibility) is mindfulness.

Mindfulness can mean a meditation practice. It can also mean simply becoming more present in your life.

Here is your simple challenge: become more mindful.

  • Add tiny slivers of mindfulness to your day. Notice the sparkle of the sun on the water, the smell of cut grass, or the taste of your salad.
  • Pause for a mental break. Even 30 seconds is enough to influence brain flexibility.
  • Meditate. 1 – 5 – 10 minutes. Sit quietly. Use a meditation app. Let go of any pressure that there is a right way to meditate.

If you are enjoying back to basics, tell your friends! They can sign up here.

 

Caring For Your Fried Brain

Time to read: So, so short

I notice at the end of summer, everyone goes to mush. People want to enjoy the last warm days, and no one wants to consider deep thoughts. Kids return to school, and routines shift back to the activity of fall. It’s paradoxically a lazy and chaotic time.

While enjoying your last weeks of summer and preparing for the rocket ship that is fall (whether you have children or not), the next few newsletters will take you quickly and easily back to the basics.

Here’s the context: The human brain is more flexible than researchers used to think. Into old age, your brain can change and learn new things. Brain flexibility is called “neuroplasticity.” For the next few weeks, I am going to share the 5 elements to maintain neuroplasticity and give you one simple challenge each week to enhance that element for yourself.

We’re going to keep it simple and immediately applicable. Please share this article with your colleagues. They can sign up here..