So now you want to learn how to train your brain. Well, up to this point we have taken a very passive approach to mind strength. Now let’s start taking aggressive steps forward on the path to great mental health.
For many people, they master one skill and think that this is enough. Weight lifters master a certain technique, also swimmers, boxers, dancers, etc. and the same can even be true of mind exercise.
Maybe you can finish the hardest level of Sudoku in 5 minutes, and this is how you work out your mind. Although Sudoku is definitely a great mind enhancer, it is only utilizing one part of the brain. Or maybe you are a master at crossword puzzles, or perhaps coloring, music or video games. These are all great ways to work out your brain, but there needs to be diversity. As with physical muscles, a good range of motion is needed, so to speak, for your brain. Neglecting one part will cause that spot to decrease its potential, and I believe that eventually it will affect even the strong areas that you have been using. Those neglected areas can also affect associated body parts and organs, leading to sickness, anxiety, stress, boredom, and even disease.
You probably know that there are two halves to the brain. (if you don’t then this article won’t help you) Well, each half is not created equal. The left side is logic and reasoning, and the right half is creativity, generally speaking of course. Their are some areas that are good for numbers, some for words, coordination, reflexes, balance, problem solving and others for color and sound. So wouldn’t it stand to reason that we should be doing things that work each of these areas? Being a “Jack of all trades” in this aspect is vital for not only being well rounded, but also for functional purpose.
A strong mind, in my opinion, will lead to a strong body. How can one begin to truly work the outside of the body before the inside? That is like cleaning only the outside of a glass, but leaving the inside dirty. This is done in vain for appearances only, but it is my hope that you are much more deep than that.
In order to figure out what areas you are lacking, I would suggest that you pay close attention to your daily routine. Who knows, maybe your job is actually helping in some areas, maybe it is not. Make a list of what you do throughout the day that you feel is helpful and also those that may be harmful. Once you have an honest assessment of your life, weekends included, then you can start filling in the gaps.
If you find, in the doing the assessment in the above paragraph, that you are number crunching all day long, then make sure to do something creative to balance it out. Take pictures, color (yes, I said color), design something, listen to music or play an instrument, anything that will get that other half of your brain stimulated will work.
On the contrary, if you are let’s say a graphic designer, creating all day long, then you will need to balance yourself with some numbers. Strategy games like chess, crossword puzzles, sudoku, etc. will all work.
Make sure that you mix and match both sides as equally as you can, it is a conscious effort. Many people out there have routine and mundane jobs or tasks and must be careful not to get stuck bringing those tasks home mentally. A trick that I used to do after one of my mundane jobs would be to start jumping around wildly, spinning in circles, and shake out the hands and feet. This not only gets the blood pumping, but it seems to stimulate your serotonin levels. (the feel good hormone) After about 5 minutes of that, the whole day of work just vanishes and I then move into doing something creative.
For me, I deal with people all day long. Hustle and bustle, I am constantly moving, talking, assisting, lifting, answering questions, and solving problems. It is great mental and also physical exercise, but it overstimulates only part of my body and brain. So to balance out that crazy life I tend to go for hikes in the woods. Peace and quiet, slow paced, and observing all the colors and textures that I encounter. If I see something interesting, I make sure to physically touch it. Trying to focus on very tiny details, like an ant carrying a piece of food, realigns my perspective from the big and general.
Another way that I achieve this is my aquarium. I make sure to sit in front of it for at least 10 minutes to observe the little version of earth. This forces me to move slowly, consciously, so as to not scare the fish, quite the contrast to my busy day at work. Crushing the food, dropping it in various places, and watching them chow down is very relaxing. There are real plants that grow inside, tiny little shrimp that act as janitors, and also colorful fish to spice things up. It also teaches patience, believe it or not.
One other thing I do is take pictures. I admit, I don’t do it as often as I would like, but it definitely expands the mind. Imagine, searching and scanning around for that perfect shot. Then you find it and must prepare the camera, hold steady, then snap the photo. It forces one to take pause, enhances the creative juices, and finely tunes the hand-eye coordination.
So what is my point here? Well, use your own judgement to observe your day to day life. Then contrast it with the exact opposite in the form of a hobby, exercise, or other form of enjoyment. (even cooking)
Make sure to change things up as often as possible and stay open to new ideas. Finally, even simple things like changing your routine can make a huge difference. Try a new route to work, wake up and spin in a circle before you get dressed, walk around your car before you get in, count the stairs as you go up or down, and whatever else you can come up with. I believe that you can do it!
-bryan