Page 18 - Healthy Brain Living Book

One way to use social technologies to our advantage is to use

them as planning tools. Join a local group and attend an event or

schedule a get-together with family and friends. Interacting with

people face-to-face is another great way to keep your brain in top

shape.

Tip #5 - EngagE WiTh pEoplE

Actively engaging with others requires using different regions of

the brain. The unpredictability of conversation requires you to

pay attention to follow along and contribute to a dialogue. This

is called “active listening.” The opposite, “passive listening,” offers

little help for brain development. In-person socializing has

a positive effect on the brain because of the mental exercise

involved. Research shows that having a limited IRL (that’s

internet speak for “in real life”) social network is associated with

many health problems. Although, scientists do not completely

understand how social interactions improve mental function.

One theory is that our IRL social networks help manage stress

by allowing us to share our struggles and give us a sense of purpose

and well-being.

Tip #6 - ChangE youR RouTinE and TRy somEThing nEW

Stimulate your sensory side by breaking routine—brush your

teeth or shave with your non-dominant hand, take a shower

and/or get dressed with your eyes closed, and learn new skills.

This could include taking a course on a subject about which you

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