The myth that “you can’t learn new tricks from an old dog” is based upon the false belief the brain ceases to change after a certain amount of time.
New connections are formed in our brains constantly. The neurogenesis (creation of new nerve cells), and the neuroplasticity, (nervous system reorganization) continues throughout your lifetime.
Creative art activities are a simple way to rewire the brain at home. Painting, music or drawing, dancing or any other craft taps into the principles of brain changes: novelty, challenge and passion.
New Experiences
Try something new. Novel stimuli stimulate the brain to create new connections.
Learn a new skill or start a hobby. Take a trip. You can travel to a new place.
Try new foods. Healthy eating is important for brain health. Staying in the same rut and eating the same thing is not nourishing.
Try simple things such as brushing your teeth using your non-dominant arm, listening to unfamiliar songs, or going for a drive or walk in a new part of the city.
Challenge Yourself
Activities that push you to the edge of comfort can be transformative.
You want it to be challenging, but not frustrating. You want the “aha!” feeling and to know you have mastered something.
Try new activities or exercises that will challenge you and your mind , and make you use your muscles and thoughts in a different way.
Play strategy games, solve puzzles and read more challenging books.
Learning to speak a new language can be a great challenge. It will open you up to new possibilities and opportunities.
Focusing and Repetition
Concentrate for a long time on a particular thing.
Find a task that will keep your attention. This can be an excellent stress-reliever.
Yoga, meditation, and prayer can all help you relax and improve your health.
Repeating something leads to further repetition. This can be a harmful process if you repeat negative patterns. However, understanding this principle will empower you to create new habits and thoughts by focusing on them and repeating over and over.
Habits that are formed over time shape the brain, which controls our emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
Love is the only thing that matters
Passion makes any activity more effective, and it is easier to continue.
Do something that you truly love and, more importantly find people you enjoy being around.
Spend more time with your children and become involved in their lives.
_ Your relationships with others will be strengthened and your mind alive.
Keeping your brain active and growing is easy when you meet new people and discover new ways to maintain your relationships.
Change is essential to getting better. It is never too late to improve your quality of life by having a happier, healthier brain.
