32 MAY 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
How to Boost your
Brain Power at Home
BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS
Do it
Better :
The past two months have tested the resolve
of even the strongest people. Many
have battled illness, mourned loved ones,
learned how to teach their children at home,
-
cial distancing.
You may have distracted yourself with
phone calls, social media, books, movies, favorite
TV shows, and trying new recipes. Perhaps
you read last month’s Do It Better column and
completed the checklist of spring cleaning projects!
At some point, though, everyone needs
some mental stimulation to stay focused and
happy while sheltering in place. The following
suggestions are good not only for these challenging
times, but also help sharpen your mind
in general, especially important as you get older.
Many of these “brain exercises” are fun,
and some are challenging. Mix them up every
now and then to keep things fresh.
Jigsaw puzzles are fun for all ages, and they
can be found in discount stores or online. If you
haven’t tackled one in a while, start with a 100-
or 500-piece puzzle before moving on to a 1,000-piece challenge.
Crossword puzzles, word search, Sudoku and other stimulating games
can be addictive. Some are logic based; others help preserve memory and
cognitive function. Start with the easy ones, then work your way up to more
Board and card games are a fun group activity, and they’re easy to
rotate for variety. Chess is a classic strategy game that appeals to smart
people, although when’s the last time you tried a game of checkers? Other
family favorites include Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Risk, Sorry, Life, Pictionary
and more.
Coloring and doodling work the creative juices. Adult coloring books
are a relaxing pastime, especially when paired with a big selection of colored
pencils and a sharpener.
Play an instrument to strengthen the brain in multiple ways. Dust off
your guitar or piano, or get an electronic keyboard and some instruction
guides. Do you still have a clarinet or saxophone in the closet? Take it out
and challenge your memory! Even a harmonica, kazoo or bongo drum are
good for some energizing rhythm.
at a meal. Use your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, eat or write
something. Put your watch on upside down. Close your eyes while folding
laundry or taking a shower. Draw a map of your town from memory.
Take online lessons in dance, exercise or tai chi, to learn new moves.
Many universities also offer online classes – without tests – for pure educational
enjoyment, some free of charge right now.
Stay in touch with family and friends via frequent phone calls – and
eventually in-person visits when “the pause” is over. Some studies have
shown that socially active people are less at risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease. Even better: Have conversations about things you don’t
agree with, but only if it’s not stressful. It exposes your mind to new ways
of thinking.
Keep your shopping list in your handbag and try to recall the items
you need. Refer to it before heading to the checkout counter to see if you
missed anything important.
them with a calculator.
Explore mindfulness meditation. Many community classes and online
lessons are now teaching this effective method to help improve your
attention, focus, memory and empathy.
Try a new route. If you are running errands or on your daily commute,
take an unfamiliar way to “reroute” your mind. It’s also enriching
to see new neighborhoods.
Engage in a hobby. Everyone needs to do something outside of
work to explore creativity and new ideas. Take up photography, scrapbooking,
a new instrument, building models, needle crafts – there are
many options!
As for electronic brain games on websites and apps, they can be
computer screen or staring at a smartphone, especially close to bedtime.
If you already spend many long hours staring at a screen, select activities
that take you away from the desk.
/TheJournalNJ.com