Physical exercise keeps the body healthy and helps reduce the risk of serious illnesses and diseases. Mental exercise provides the same type of benefit to the brain, as well. Mental stimulation helps the brain grow new neurons, which may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, age-related memory loss or loss of motor skills. Even as we grow older, the brain benefits from regular mental exercise.
Play with Opposites
Strengthen neural connections, as well as build new ones, by doing everything with your non-dominant hand. Try moving the mouse on your computer with your non-dominant hand. You might feel goofy doing it, and you might not move the mouse as smoothly as you would if you were using your dominant hand. Yet your brain is learning a new skill, which is a key form of mental exercise. Brush your teeth or flip channels on a remote control using your non-dominant hand.
Get Creative
"Anything that stimulates the brain to think" is considered mental exercise, according to Dr. Amir Soas of Case Western Reserve University Medical School in Cleveland. Play mentally challenging games such as Sudoku, crossword puzzles or Scrabble. Use a deck of cards, and play the game Memory. Start a new creative hobby such as pottery or painting. Learn a new language or how to play chess. Reading is another form of mental exercise. Or join in on a local Bingo night. The game actually helps minimize memory loss, as well as boost eye-hand coordination.
Neurobics
Created by Duke University's Lawrence Katz and Manning Rubin, neurobics is just like it sounds -- aerobics for your brain. In general, neurobics consists of activities that utilize your senses and your undivided attention and that are non-routine, such as getting dressed with your eyes closed. You use more brain power performing these activities because you have to concentrate more. Try taking a shower with your eyes closed or taking a new route to work. These types of experiences will help engage new senses, as well as help grow new neurons in your brain.
Travel
Not only is traveling a good excuse to get away from the daily grind -- and the daily routines -- it is another form of mental exercise. New experiences, places, people, smells and scenery provide tremendous stimulation, which helps the brain form new neurons and grow. It is believed our ancestors, the early Homo sapiens, were able to survive because of their desire to travel. If you are unable to take an extended vacation, try visiting a new part of town or spending the weekend away from home. Wander around, and explore your surroundings.
