Regular exercise helps us stay in good shape and prevent the appearance of changes associated with old age. This applies to every organ in our body, including our brain.
Today we talk about 4 simple exercises that will help you preserve your memory and other cognitive functions well into old age!
4. Multicolored Text
In front of you is a list of words written in different colors. Starting with the top word, say out loud the name of the color in which each word on the list is written.
When you get to the bottom of the list, rename each color in reverse order.
At first, it will be difficult, since the sections responsible for the perception of text and color are located in different hemispheres of the brain.
Helpful Effects: Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease by making new connections between the hemispheres / improving concentration and skills to shift attention.
3. Schulte Table
Focus on the number 19 in the center of the square. Your goal is to find the number 1 and then all the remaining numbers in ascending order, fixing your gaze on each in turn.
Then you can draw your own table (don’t forget to sort the numbers in the cells randomly). Alternatively, you can search for Shulte tables on the Internet.
Useful effects: It increases the speed of reception and processing of information and develops peripheral vision.
2. Finger Gestures
Place the fingers of your right hand to make the “peace” sign while making the “OK” sign with your left hand.
Next, change the arrangement of the fingers so that your left-hand shows “peace” and your right-hand shows “OK.”
Repeat several times. And now, do the exercise with both hands at the same time!
Useful effects: trains attention and develops the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
1. Bimanual Synchronous Writing
For this exercise, you will need two sheets of paper and a couple of easy-to-use writing tools. When everything is ready, start drawing geometric shapes with both hands at the same time.
You can also type letters or words (as long as the number of characters is the same in both hands).
Useful Effects: Synchronous writing teaches your brain to multitask simultaneously, thus stimulating the activity of both hemispheres.
Some Additional Tips
A well-known neuroscientist, Lawrence Katz, developed an exercise system to help your brain maintain its function into old age.
Here are some tips from his books:
Try performing mundane everyday rituals (like brushing your teeth or combing your hair) with your non-dominant hand.
When showering or doing other routine activities, do everything with your eyes closed.
Frequently change the routes you use to get to work, shopping, or other common destinations.
While watching a movie, try turning off the sound and rely on the actors’ gestures and movements to guess what they are talking about.
Preview photo credit depositphotos
