We all know exercise improves the strength, endurance and flexibility of the body, but what are we doing to exercise our brain? It’s equally important to flex your brain muscle by improving your memory, recall ability, concentration, focus, visual perception, reflex speed and problem-solving skills. Try these exercises to help build cognitive functions by forming new nerve connections and networks.
Toe Twisters
Before getting out of bed in the morning, slowly begin to move your toes. Continue for a few minutes, moving all your toes and then just the two big toes. This exercise helps to make the brain more alert and energized for better walking and hand-eye coordination.
Walk it Off
Studies show that long-term regular physical activity such as walking helps boost cognitive function in the elderly, including improved verbal memory, recall fluency and attention. Walking helps to increase blood flow to the brain, bathing it in more oxygen and nutrients for healthier nerves and supporting tissues. It also doesn’t stress the body as much as more strenuous physical workouts, which use more energy, oxygen and glucose.
Visualize It
Have someone show you 5 to 10 different objects, looking at each one for 10 to 15 seconds. Then have your friend place them in different locations around the room. Wait a few minutes, then leave the room and write down, in detail, a visual description of each object and exactly where in the room it is placed. To get the maximum benefits, this exercise should be completed within 10 minutes.
Rewire Your Brain
Kids are able to learn new languages and skills faster than adults because their brains are still creating new pathways. As adults we can also create new networks in the brain by challenging ourselves with learning new things. Try getting dressed with your eyes closed or using your non-dominant hand to do everyday tasks such as eating or using a computer mouse. Mental exercises to stimulate new nerve connections include learning new vocabulary words or words in a new language and reciting the alphabet backwards until you can do it as fast as reciting it forwards.
