Losing cognitive function doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. By training our brains a little bit every day, we can stay cognitively sharp for years to come. Common brain training games include things like logic games, crosswords, and brain teasers. Anything that presents your brain with a new or complex task can help improve neuroplasticity and brain health.
Though most of these games only take a few minutes, they still require us to intentionally take time out of our day. So we want to share 5 brain exercises you can do at home in no time at all. These exercises are borrowed from one of our favorite books: “Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises To Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness.” This book was written by Professor of Neurobiology, Lawrence C. Katz, Ph.D., and professional writer, Manning Rubin, to make brain training more accessible.
What are Neurobic Brain Exercises?
Neurobics is a combination of the words “neuron” and “aerobics.” Therefore, neurobics are mental exercises that stimulate the neurons in our brains by providing a new experience (similar to the concept of neuroplasticity). By encouraging this type of natural growth in the brain, we can actually slow the effects of mental aging.
According to the Keep Your Brain Alive website, neurobic exercises disrupt your daily routines or encourage you to use your 5 senses in unique ways. (You’ll see what we mean here in a minute.)
At-Home Brain Exercises
Katz and Rubin provide exercises that can be completed at home, work, or even while driving. But since our routines are strongest at home, that’s the perfect place to start practicing neurobics.
Remember the goal is to stretch your brain by presenting it with an unusual activity or situation.
1. Brush your teeth with your other hand.
Katz and Rubin mention that using your non-dominant hand engages other parts of the brain, which can result in a rapid expansion of the parts of the cortex that process tactile information from that hand. You can see similar results from writing or even stirring your dinner with your non-dominant hand. So, play around with new ways to use and engage a side of your body and brain that you normally wouldn’t.
2. Keep your eyes closed while showering.
You may more easily sense the various textures of your body that you don’t “see,” feeding new and different information to your brain. Try using just your tactile senses to locate the soap, shampoo, and other items in the shower. (Use common sense to avoid burns and other injuries.)
3. Switch up the morning routine.
By their nature, routine tasks don’t stimulate and exercise the brain. Novel activities are associated with increased levels of brain activity and can improve brain fitness. For example, try a new beverage, get dressed at a different time, watch a TV channel you usually wouldn’t, or find other ways to “shake up” that automatic morning routine.
4. Flip familiar objects upside down.
Next, turn pictures, your clock, your calendar, or other things upside down. When these familiar objects are upside down, it may stimulate your brain to interpret the shapes, colors, and relationships in new ways.
5. Switch seats at the dinner table.
In many families, everyone has their regular seat. Switch seats to change your view and how you relate with others. Even reaching for the salt and pepper from a different location may help keep your brain seasoned.
Find More Ways to Stimulate Your Brain with Our Free Guides
Want to learn more brain games to improve all aspects of your cognitive function? Then check out our resources page for free guides like “Brain Exercises to Improve Memory” and “Daily Planner with Brain Training Games.”
And if you’re noticing symptoms of cognitive decline, reach out to the therapists at A Cognitive Connection. We offer several types of cognitive brain training to help you optimize your brain function and live the life you deserve.
