From Health magazine
Feeling stuck in a rut? A few simple changes in your daily routine can sharpen your mind and improve your attitude. Here’s how to get started:
Switch hands
Use your nondominant hand to do daily tasks like brushing your teeth or clicking the computer mouse. This simple change promotes the growth of neurons in the brain, which can sharpen memory and thinking. “It’ll give your brain the regular workout it needs to stay healthy,” says life coach and Health columnist M. J. Ryan, author of AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn’t Ask For (in bookstores in May).
Engage your senses
Get dressed with your eyes closed. One night at dinner, communicate only nonverbally (that’s right, no words). By relying on different senses, you create more neurons in your brain and get more creative.
Try something fresh
It doesn’t have to be anything big—a free class at a dance center, a new recipe. You begin to think, I can do this! And that can lead to even greater accomplishments. When you learn a new skill, your brain actually builds new circuitry. “Think of it as mental cross-training,” Ryan says.
Ask: What’s right about this?
“How you frame something can change everything,” Ryan says. Try to consider the sunny side of a situation rather than focusing on what’s wrong with it. So if it’s pouring rain, instead of stressing about getting drenched, think of the good it will do for your garden. The result: A more optimistic and inventive you who can take on just about anything.
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Comments (8)
Thanks for the nice reminder – rubbing the edges of your ears are a complete wake-up call for your inner organs and senses. Hartmut Rast, London
yes i tried a few things with my left hand but my boss thought I was having a stroke when she saw what the pages of my phone log book looked like
I must try the ‘changing hands’ but I don’t think I could write very well. I have in the past tried to do a few things with the less dominant hand but I keep forgetting …thanks for the post.
The best article that I’ve read for today. These tips are very applicable in life for healthy living.
yes …seems to b very produtive but will tell exactly when tried for 1 week …
I am right handed. Two years ago I purchased a USB roller-ball mouse for ergonomics. I used with my left hand, and learned control. One day I thought why not use both hands since I had two mouse controls. Now a year later, I use both without thought. And it is good.
I just rubbed the outer edges of my ears. How long has it been that I even paid them any attention?
Anyway, when I rubbed the left ear edge with the left hand it sort of tickled, I giggled, then I began laughing out loud. Even as I write this I cannot stop smiling. What a marvelous way to start the day.
Thanks for the article and thanks to Harman Rast, London.
i am left handed and I do make myself use my right hand, just for the fun of it. Nice post thank you
Debbie