January 2012

Forcing your brain to process new information or do familiar things in
unfamiliar ways can help stimulate brain function and improve your
memory. According to Manning Rubin, coauthor of Keep Your Brain
Alive, there are a number of simple mental exercises that can be done daily
to boost brain health. Rubin told realsimple.com that improving memory
and mental function can be accomplished by regularly exercising each of
your five senses. For example, Rubin recommends changing the radio
station on your alarm clock and getting dressed in the dark in order to
stimulate your brain first thing in the morning. Picking your clothes out in
advance and then dressing blindly forces your brain to work harder to
compensate for the loss of one of your senses. He also suggests brushing
your teeth with your non-dominant hand in order to challenge your brain.