Page 52 - Healthy Brain Living Book

Tip #6 - Command Performance

Keeping our brains strong and supple is as important as having

our other parts properly tuned. And since our brains can’t

do push-ups or ride an elliptical, we need special exercises for

improving brain performance.

First, find a time when you are available to focus, such as waiting

through a commercial break, riding in a car (but not while driving!),

or just zoning out.

Once these interludes are identified, here are five ideas to consider,

or that might inspire you to invent your own brain exercises:

• Sports. During commercial breaks, think of as many major

league baseball or football teams as you can, plus their

mascot names.

• Geography. In your head try naming all 50 states; then go

back and provide their capital cities.

• Words. Instead of singing in the shower, go through the

alphabet and try coming up with three words that begin

with a, then b, and so on.

• Objects. You’re a passenger on a train, car, bus, or plane:

Imagine looking down at yourself in your surroundings as

if you were observing everything from about 50 feet above

where you’re sitting.

• Letters. Try reciting the alphabet backwards.

Giving these (or your own inventions) a try will not only be fun,

but you’ll also be giving your brain a boost. Just remember to

keep it up.

48