Keeping your brain active and stimulated can possibly protect against age-related cognitive decline and help you to feel more alert. Age-related memory loss and cognitive decline may be attributed to a lack of brain exercise and mental stimulation. However, your brain can continue to develop new neurons even as you age, according to the Franklin Institute. Specific physical and mental exercises can promote brain activity and encourage stimulation of activity centers in your brain to help grow new neurons.
Opposite Hand Activities
Performing regular daily activities with your opposite, non-dominant hand can help to keep you mentally fit, strengthen existing neurons and encourage the growth of new neurons, according to the Franklin Institute. Some simple activities to try are brushing your teeth, using your computer mouse or writing with your non-dominant hand. Using your non-dominant hand strengthens, exercises and encourages learning in the non-dominant hemisphere of your brain.
Neurobics
Neurobics is a set of brain exercises developed by Dr. Lawrence Katz from Duke University and fellow university researchers around the world. According to Neurobics.com, these specific exercises have been proven to promote the production of neurotrophins, which are proteins that help to grow new neurons and strengthen and protect existing neurons. The exercises are based on using your five senses in new and different ways. Some of the exercises include activities such as getting dressed for work with your eyes closed or re-arranging your furniture in a new, unusual way.
Mental Stimulation Activities
Playing games that encourage mental stimulation, such as Scrabble, learning a new language or engaging your creative side by developing a skill that requires hand-eye coordination, such as playing sports or a musical instrument, can help to exercise your brain and promote the development of new neurons. According to Help Guide, other activities that can serve a similar function include doing a daily crossword puzzle, Sudoku or reading challenging books or magazines.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a Buddhist concept that encourages paying attention to what is going on right now. According to Ann J. Polya, Ph.D in her book, "Brain Fitness," mindfulness may help to promote the development of new nerve synapses and neurons. Mindfulness is a technique commonly used in certain forms of meditation to focus your mind on the present moment, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It's not as easy as it sounds, however. The technique is simple but the practice can be very difficult. You can practice a basic mindfulness exercise by simply closing your eyes and simply paying attention to what is going on around you. You might hear noises outside or feel various physical sensations. The idea is to pay attention to these sensations without attaching to your thoughts or letting your mind run away on its own.
