Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible,
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
How can you kick your current memory fitness routine up a notch? Change it.
You know how the feeling when you stop at a different grocery store and you can’t find what you need? Your usual hunt-and-gather mission becomes more like a freewheeling scavenger hunt. That’s a good thing because your brain shifts off automatic pilot and gets a good workout.
Other tips to try:
- Vary your reading material. Listen to podcasts or explore the many options available. Learn something new. Share the information with someone else.
- When writing a shopping list or a note, use your non-dominant hand. By doing that you are engaging the other side of your brain. Print the information and you will be surprised how your writing improves with some practice.
- Here is a great challenge: Add numbers in your head or subtract them. Start with a few single numbers 2 + 5 + 9 + 4 then more the next time. Try double digits like 15 + 75 then longer strings like 22 + 64 + 13 etc. Next, try subtraction options such as 24 – 7 – 5 or 56 – 17 – 9, etc.
We usually make New Year’s resolutions. Make a brain health resolution for 2021. With the challenges of the last few months and decreased socialization options, it’s more important than ever to boost your brain.
Consider listening to brain health podcasts under RESOURCES at connectionsincommunication.com. Visit SAMPLER for the links to diverse brain game puzzles (numerical, verbal and visual-spatial options) to carry you through the upcoming months.
“Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.”
Sir James Dewar
Puzzle provided by Kathryn Kilpatrick, Memory Fitness/Brain Health consultant, Geriatric Life Enhancement consultant and speech-language pathologist. For more games and tips, go to connectionsincommunication.com or memoryfitnessmatters.com.
