THINKING WITH YOUR HANDS
When learning about a new object, or deciding upon what item to buy in a store, have you ever said, “Let me look at that more closely”? Then you simultaneously reach out and put the object into your hands, as well? Do your hands have eyes? Not exactly, but… Our senses are the direct interface…
ARE YOU DRINKING UP?
“If you are thinking, you are drinking…water of course!” I refer to this saying in my Brain Fitness programs, because proper hydration is essential to your brain and body functioning. The moment your water tank gets low, it causes stress, along with a myriad of other health and cognitive issues. Most people know that drinking…
YES, AND…
In the performing arts, improvisation is a spontaneous way of acting that does not have any specific preparation. Actors enter the stage and create a show without a script, props, or costumes. What unfolds is typically a great success because each person always responds to what another person says with: “Yes, AND…” An actor could…
CHOOSING A NEW PATHWAY
One of my favourite poems is “Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson. It was written and published in 1977. It carries timeless wisdom that is just as useful today as it was decades ago. On many occasions I’ve shared this poem with groups I’ve spoken to, and it never gets old. Each time…
THE KALEIDOSCOPE EFFECT
Have you ever played with a tube-shaped instrument that contains mirrors and pieces of coloured glass or paper whose reflections produce changing patterns and images that are viewed through an eyehole when the tube is rotated? Sound familiar? If so, you would have been looking through a kaleidoscope! As a youngster I found this to…
YOUR BRAIN ON OXYGEN!
Would you be surprised to learn that oxygen is a vital element for all your organs and systems of your body? Of course not. People understand that oxygen is crucial to our human existence. But did you know that your brain in particular is an oxygen monopoliser? While your brain only makes up about 2 percent…
A CURIOUS WAY TO GROW YOUR BRAIN
Did you know that by asking questions you can influence and change your brain in many positive ways? Research shows that NOT knowing the answers to all of life’s questions definitely has its advantages. In fact, being curious has significant cognitive value and is an amazing way to activate and to leverage your neuroplasticity. Aka,…
THE SMILE EFFECT
Name one thing you’ve been missing a lot of this past year and a half? If seeing smiles beaming from the faces of others comes to mind, I couldn’t agree more! Smiling is a cost-free but priceless gift we give to others. As research shows, it is a gift we simultaneously give ourselves as well.…
EMBODIED COGNITION
For far too long, society has viewed intelligence and thinking as occurring from the ‘neck up’ and the encompassing mind-body system has been overlooked. Your brain is neurologically woven throughout your entire body. If I say to you, “wiggle your toes” (or Simon says, “Touch your shoulders”) and you follow those requests, you will see…
SEE IT, TO ACHIEVE IT!
When you notice a child daydreaming, do not interrupt them. Creative and scientific work is going on as they are in the process of laying down important brain blueprints. In fact, you may want to consider adopting this habit as well. Activities like this are not the least bit frivolous; they are an essential precursor…