It’s well known that physical activity improves overall fitness, and that includes keeping the brain in shape. For people with busy schedules, using exercise as a brain-builder can also save time. Why not add brain-boosting activities to your exercise routine?
Here are movements and activities that encourage brain functioning:
1. The Brain Dance:
The Brain Dance is a way to connect the two hemispheres of the brain together. When you move the right side of your body you use the left hemisphere of your brain and when you move your left as a brain builder can also save time.
Any physical movement that involves crossing the mid line of your body is good for cognitive functioning because it connects the two hemispheres of the brain together.
When you move the right side of your body you use the left hemisphere of your brain and when you move your left side of your body, you use the right hemisphere of your brain.
You can choreograph your brain dance in a variety of ways. As long as you cross one side of your body to connect with the other side, the variations are endless. Right elbow to left foot. Left hand to right hip. It’s a fun way to get kids involved, so get creative!
2. Pat your head and rub your tummy:
This age old kid’s activity is almost a no-brainer. Even though you don’t cross sides, you still use both sides at the same time with different actions. If it’s difficult, keep doing it!
3. Use a hula hoop while singing your favorite song:
The challenge of the hula hoop plus remembering the lyrics to the song is scary enough if you can’t hula hoop. If song lyrics are too easy, try multiplication tables.
4. Use your non-dominant hand for regular everyday activities:
If you are left handed, use your right hand to do things like brush your teeth, open a bottle or print your name. For outdoor fun, try using the opposite hand to throw a Frisbee or the opposite foot to kick a ball. If you are up to the challenge, try swinging a baseball bat or golf club with the opposite hands.
5. Learn to juggle:
If your kids leave balls laying around the house or the yard, try picking them up and learning to juggle. Search the internet for instructions or videos and get started. Even if you are bad at it, dropping balls, you can squat to pick them up and get a killer thigh and leg workout.
