Simply put, the term is used to refer to brain exercises. This term was invented by the duo of Manning Rubin and Lawrence Katz; and it is known to describe any sort of exercise that helps the brain retain its fitness levels.
Any kind of sensory stimuli or activity that involves some sort of non-routine action/thought would produce more chemicals in the brain, which are responsible for the growth of neurons and dendrites.
A non-neurobic activity would be like getting off your bed and walking into your bedroom to brush your teeth, even before your body has come to a full state of consciousness. Since this activity is performed in a partial state of consciousness, it isn’t going to stimulate your brain as much.
Characteristics of a neurobic activity –
- Should involve more than one of your senses in a context that is new to you.
- Should involve your full attention, even if it can only for a brief period of time.
- Should be capable of breaking your routine in some (significant) way.
Neurobics needn’t necessarily be complicated. They may not even require you to set aside a special time of the day to indulge in them. In fact, they’re flexible enough to work their way into your normal lives if you focus on the above given characteristics.
Some Examples of Neurobics
Spend time in an environment that is new to you:
You could try going to a park that you’ve never visited before; or make your way to the new store that just opened up 2 blocks away. Travelling, as well, is said to slow down the mental decline that gets associated with age.
Smell new and intriguing odors in the morning:
To achieve this one, you might want to keep a bottle of mint extract handy. Make sure it is the first thing you smell in the morning; and this will help your brain in its process of ‘waking up’.
Break out of the routine clothes pattern:
If you choose to dress differently on a particular day, it’ll also end up affecting the way you think. Don’t believe us? Try it yourself!
Try brushing with the hand which you consider non-dominant:
This isn’t as easy as it sounds, and may be downright difficult early on. The first time you try this, it might require your full attention.
Close your eyes while taking a shower:
If you close your eyes for a while, it automatically encourages all your other senses to become active. A shower, by the way, is known to engage several of your senses.
Learn how to read Braille:
This one might turn out to be downright tough; but it’s worth a shot. If you learn how to read using your fingers, it will be the best way to engage your senses.
Hunt for a new route to your workplace:
This wouldn’t necessarily mean you take a longer route. Sometimes, without knowing it, you might actually stumble upon a route that is, in fact, shorter than the route you were used to taking earlier.
