3. Best Activities to Challenge Your Brain
1. They should teach you something NEW.
2. They should be CHALLENGING, and demand your full and
close attention.
3. They should be PROGRESSIVE, so you can keep your effort
on the edge of your ability, as the "threshold".
4. They should ENGAGE YOUR GREAT BRAIN PROCESSING
SYSTEMS. Make distinctions between what you see, hear or
feel and use this information to achieve goals which help your
brain to grow.
5. They should be REWARDING. This releases brain chemicals
that contribute to learning, memory and good spirits.
6. They should be NOVEL OR SURPRISING.
4. Additional brain activities:
Improve your memory
• Try to remember a shopping list instead of writing it down.
• Link things together that you want to remember.
• Use the “journey” method. Visualize a familiar route or
routine and associate each stop in the route with an item
that you are trying to remember. (AKA “Method of Loci”)
Enhance brain fitness
• Learn and play a musical instrument
• Play complex board games
• Dance
• Pay attention and listen
5.
6. Compare Dual n Back to Sharp Brains
Checklist (on website):
1. Based on scientific research? (Published, peer
reviewed)
2. Are there measurable claims and benefits?
(Specific benefits, brain centered, structured on
time/days required for results)
3. Do they ensure cross training? (Vary and new)
4. Exercise or entertainment? (Challenging &
motivating)
5. Good fit for me? (Fit own goals, lifestyle,
something I will do)
7. Additional brain fitness challenges (on
website)
Luminosity: Face and Name recall
Fit Brains: 5 minutes with Dr. Uber Brain
Games for the Brain: The Image Quiz
PositScience: The 60 Second Brain Game
8. Research just in: Click on the phrase
for more information
• Higher levels of openness predict a longer
life, with less metabolic risk, higher self rated
health, and more appropriate stress release.
• Why exercise for brain fitness? Maybe because
exercise cause testosterone levels to surge in
men, which assists in cell growth.
• Reduction in inflammation to muscles due to
ingesting fish oil may also decrease inflammation
in the brain.
• Neglecting children can cause changes in
myelin, (which forms a layer around
neurons, resulting in an increase in behavioral
problems.