Back in Week #28, we talked about neuroplasticity and the brain. Studies have shown brains remain more flexible and age less slowly when their owners continually feed them with new stimuli. And, experts actually enlarge brain areas that deal with their area of expertise. Another way to stimulate mental flexibility is by doing things or having experiences that are out of the ordinary for you.
With our current economic situation, many people (self included) are working extra jobs. If you find yourself in this scenario, try doing something that is not your normal cup of tea. If you are a numbers person, try doing something more creative. If you typically have a desk job, try doing something more physical.
If you don’t need the extra cash, try taking a class or joining a club that is out of your normal realm of experience. New and different experiences actually create new neural pathways in the brain and increase your creativity. Even just visiting with someone whose way of thinking is very different than your own can be a mind expanding experience.
Who knows, you might even promote world peace.