At the Franklin Institute Resources for Science Learning Online Web site, you can find some suggestions for brain exercises. For example, one exercise is to switch the hand you are using to control the computer mouse. According to the site, this exercise can strengthen neural connections and even create new ones. You can vary this exercise by switching to "the opposite hand to brush your teeth, dial the phone or operate the TV remote."

"Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation discovered that a muscle can be strengthened just by thinking about exercising it. The researchers said strength gains were due to improvements in the brain's ability to signal muscle."

Neurobics

"Neurobics™ is a unique system of brain exercises using your five physical senses and your emotional sense in unexpected ways that encourage you to shake up your everyday routines. They are designed to help your brain manufacture its own nutrients that strengthen, preserve, and grow brain cells.

Created by Lawrence C. Katz, Ph.D., a professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center, neurobics can be done anywhere, anytime, in offbeat, fun and easy ways. Nevertheless, these exercises can activate underused nerve pathways and connections, helping you achieve a fit and flexible mind."

A few neurobic exercises:

Include one or more of your senses in an everyday task -- "Get dressed with your eyes closed."

Combine two senses -- "Listen to music and smell flowers / Listen to the rain and tap your fingers"

Break routines -- Go to work on a new route / Eat with your opposite hand / Shop at new grocery store

Benefits from Bingo:
"A cognitive psychologist in England found that when elderly people regularly played bingo, it helped minimize their memory loss and bolster their hand-eye coordination. Bingo seemed to help players of all ages remain mentally sharp."

Visit the Franklin Institute site for more ideas on exercising your brain.

Next time we'll look at more about Neurobics.

Labels: brain exercises, brain growth, TBI, traumatic brain injury