Neurobics: Unlocking the Brain’s Full Potential

Neurobics is a concept that has gained significant traction recently.

It’s an accessible, free holistic approach supporting brain health and cognitive enhancement. 

This practice goes beyond traditional cognitive exercises, the deliberate practice of neurobics keeps our minds sharp, our memory on point and our motor skills precise.

The Significance of Neurobics

Neurobics, are activities that challenge the brain, and based on the core principle that the brain thrives on novelty and intellectual stimulation. 

By engaging in activities that are out of the ordinary, such as brushing our teeth with the non-dominant hand or learning a new skill, we create new neural pathways and improve memory retention.

The Benefits of Neurobics

1. Cognitive Enhancement: Neurobics challenges the brain to think in unconventional ways, keeping us cognitively flexible and adaptable.
2. Memory Improvement: Neurobic exercises support memory retention and recall by stimulating different areas of the brain.
3. Brain Health: Daily practice of neurobics supports optimal brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
4. Emotional Well-being: When we feel sharper, our mood is understandably better, stress levels reduced and also more mentally resilient.
   

Incorporating Neurobics Into Daily Life

Here’s how to integrate neurobics into your daily life:

1. Novel Activities: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as learning a new instrument, trying a new hobby, or solving puzzles and games.
2. Quality Sleep: Prioritise restorative sleep to support cognitive function and memory consolidation, this is a non-negotiable.
3. Social Connections: High quality social interactions is priceless for mood boosts. reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive resilience.
4. Mental Stimulation: Keep your brain active by reading, refining a craft, or even engaging in intellectual discussions keeps us firing on all cylinders.
   

Some neurobic exercises include:

1. Using Non-Dominant Hand: Use their nondominant hands when doing regular activities like writing, eating, or brushing your hair/teeth
2. Upside Down or Backward Tasks: Try writing backward, looking at your phone upside down, or calculating tips in your head
3. Cross-Training Activities: Incorporate activities like standing up and crossing your arms while pinching your ears during squats
4. Taking Different Routes: Drive a different route to a familiar place and see how many different combinations you can find
5. Strengthening Auditory Skills: Listen to a song and focus on one instrument, read aloud, or snap fingers to a metronome beat
6. Closing Eyes: Engage in activities like walking, showering, eating, or sorting laundry with closed eyes to boost brain power
7. Pattern Break: Shake up daily routines by turning calendars upside down, wearing watches on the opposite wrist, or reading upside-down newspapers
   

These are just a few examples of exercises that can stimulate different areas of the brain, preventing memory loss, and supporting cognitive function.

Before I wrap up, I want to remind you of a game we Gen X’s used to play before the internet came along.

When was the last time you played this game? Have you taught your kids to play this game with you?

Young or old, this is the ultimate neurobics exercise. And all that’s needed is a piece of string and a play buddy.

Post a video of you and your family playing this game in our Facebook group or Discord channel, I’m dying to see you guys do this!

As always, flow strong.

Asha ✨