| Mentally Better: Your Brain Should Get Exercise Too |
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Common in our society today are the brain exercises designed to give our mental faculties the
boost they need. There are games, activities and all other cranial calisthenics that claim to be
helpful in maintaining our brains functioning superbly. You should know that these things are
not just for those who have mental problems, these activities and exercises are also good for
everyone who seeks to keep your minds healthy; to better your brains. From senior citizens to
the younger generations, these activities should be helpful enough to keep them all mentally
fit.
Although some scientists may not fully believe in the benefits of brain exercises, a lot of
researchers and professionals hold on to the numerous studies showing that the brain really
does need an exercise just like the body does. Studies have showed that people who have
tried to perform brain exercises regularly have improved memory as well as focus. See, with
simple brain exercises the functioning of both hemispheres of the brain are made better; your
brain becomes healthier.
Cross Crawls
Cross crawls is a type of exercise that is based on the principle that our nervous system works
homolaterally. This means that the left portion of our brain controls the movement of the
right portion of our body, and so on for the other half. The principles of kinesiology are also
applied in this exercise wherein rhythmic movements are suggested so that the brains
lateralization can be improved further. You can do this simply by touching your right hand or
elbow to your left knee. Do this for several times, and after one side, you may proceed with
the other side, doing the same steps.
This exercise, when performed by babies, are believed to realign the brain circuits in order
for the left half of the brain to be able to connect with the left part of the body, and vice versa.
For the adults, on the other hand, when this exercise is done there is an integration of the
different functions and tasks of the brain. This is the reason why this exercise is mostly
recommended for people suffering from dyslexia. Aside from this, this exercise is also good
for strengthening your immune systems responses.
Lazy Eights
Another exercise which can benefit both the left and right hemispheres of the brain is the lazy
eights. This is done by drawing the number 8 on a piece of paper using your right hand for
two minutes. After the right hand, you may proceed to draw the same sign using your left
hand. This should be done daily, and the result is that you will have better concentration and
your hand-and-eye coordination will improve. Aside from these, another benefit is that you
would feel a reduction of stress and an enhancement of your mood.
You may also do the Rhythmic Eights wherein instead of using paper and pencil, you can just
create an imaginary eight in the air with your hands. This should be sufficient to coordinate
the two sides of your brain as well.
Try Different Exercises for A Change
Since there are already a lot of exercises designed to improve your mental functioning, it
would be a better idea if you would alter your exercises so that your brain will not get used to
just one routine. By varying your brain work out, you are also able to exercise as many parts
of your brain as possible. There are puzzles, crosswords and other brain games available; you
just have to look for those which best fits you. Exercise your brain, better your brains
performance.
