When you consider everything this awe-inspiring organ does for you, it’s mind-blowing. But caring for it isn’t always top of, well, you know. To keep your brain sharp and nimble, learn how to challenge it, what to feed it, and when to let it wander. We track our heart rate, exercise our muscles, and[…]
A string of recent research suggests regular meditation practice may boost mental flexibility and focus, offering powerful protection against cognitive decline. Most of us begin to misplace our keys, forget people’s names, or solve math problems less readily as we approach middle age. This is often referred to as age-related cognitive decline. Years ago,[…]
Brain fitness has basic principles: variety and curiosity. When anything you do becomes second nature, you need to make a change. If you can do the crossword puzzle in your sleep, it’s time for you to move on to a new challenge in order to get the best workout for your brain. Curiosity about the[…]
The art of storytelling has long been a respected skill and important tradition in many cultures. Over the course of history, community elders and their stories have been regarded as a treasure trove of the society’s knowledge, history, and wisdom. Older members of a community were encouraged to share their stories with younger generations, keeping[…]
Your brain’s fitness depends on how much it is used. Every time you do something new or different, you create new neural pathways. These simple tricks will help give your brain a workout. Use Your Opposite Hand Spend the day doing things with your non-dominant hand. If you are left-handed, open doors with your[…]
Things to do offline. Remember your brain … before the internet? Become obsessed with a paint-by-numbers masterpiece. They’re usually only $10-$15 per kit, providing hours, nay, DAYS of obsessive entertainment. Paint all your cheap-o jewelry with clear nail polish. It’ll keep your faux gold and silver patinas from wearing off too soon. Send your long-distance friends surprise[…]
As you get older, you may not be surprised if your eyesight gets a little blurrier, your hearing a little duller, your joints a little achier, and your brain a little slower. But what if that last part doesn’t have to happen? Dementia isn’t part of the normal aging process. Some forms can[…]
Sleep may leave you unconscious, unaware, drooling, and twitching, but your brain is a hive of activity. Here’s what the buzz is all about. You go through stages Awake versus asleep isn’t black and white. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, your body first passes through a stage called non-rapid[…]
Give Your Life a Soundtrack Your brain gets a mental workout when you stream your favorite playlist. Not only can listening to music help you feel more alert, but it also can boost your memory and mood. One reason is that there’s a math to music and how one note relates to the other. Your[…]
Multitasking can reduce productivity, but it might also impact brain health Multitasking seems like a great way to get a lot done at once. While it might seem like you are accomplishing many things at once, research has shown that our brains are not nearly as good at handling multiple tasks as we like[…]