Challenge your Memory: Use It or Lose It.
Not long ago, most scientists believed the brain became “hard-wired” during childhood, and that there was little you could do to improve its function once you entered adulthood. Not anymore. The scientific community now accepts that the brain retains its plasticity, the ability to rewire itself for better function throughout life
The key is to keep learning. Activities that you have already mastered even if you found them challenging at one point, is yesterday’s news. Your brain needs to be challenged by introducing something new on a regular basis. The brain is a learning machine. To keep it strong, you must continually develop new challenging skills.
You can begin a new activity at an easy level, but you must continuously challenge yourself so that you can improve your skill to the next level. Think about how proud you feel when you’ve mastered something new. New, positive and surprising experiences exercise the brain machinery that keeps you bright and alert.
Memory challenge tip: Got a favorite song? Listen to it over and over until you memorize all of the words.
Tasty brain fitness tip: Add some dark chocolate to your diet.
Did you know that when you eat chocolate you activate the systems in your brain that pump dopamine, an important brain chemical? These systems enable learning and memory and help keep your brain sharp and fit.
Tags: brain exercise, Brain fitness, brain plasticity, brain wiring, memory, memory challenge
October 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
[...] By challenging your brain with new exercises or games, you strengthen such cognitive skills as the ability to remember something, solve a problem, or use a particular strategy to win a game. We posted tips in our blog entry called Challenge Your Memory: Use It or Lose It. [...]