Welcome back,
In the previous blog, we explored the importance of keeping our brains and bodies agile, especially as we navigate midlife when inspiration can diminish. We learned about the immense power of the human brain, discussed essential criteria for effective brain training (challenge, inspiration, and enjoyment), and discovered the value of staying curious.
Use it or lose it
Now, we’re ready to dive deeper into some exciting brain training ideas and activities to further enrich our journey.
Learn a (new) musical instrument
Learning to play a musical instrument is an excellent way to keep your brain active and engaged. I personally embarked on a piano-learning journey for a while. It was an incredibly fun experience, but there were some valuable lessons I learned along the way.
Initially, I set my goals too high, aiming to reach the level of a virtuoso. This unrealistic expectation led to frustration and demotivation when I couldn’t meet those lofty standards. However, I soon realized the importance of taking a step-by-step approach and patience.
The key lesson here is to be clear about your goal. In my case, it wasn’t about becoming a world-class pianist but rather about training my brain and enjoying the process of learning music. If you follow these rules and set achievable milestones, learning a new instrument becomes a rewarding brain training option. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the journey of growth and exploration.
Learn How to Learn
One of the most valuable brain training endeavors you can embark upon is learning how to learn effectively. This opens up a vast universe of opportunities and methods for enhancing your cognitive abilities. I stumbled upon a transformative video by Jim Kwik.
His statement resonated with me and prompted me to explore his training.
Jim Kwik’s training focuses on optimizing brain health and performance. It offers practical tips, techniques, and insights to enhance memory, accelerate learning, improve focus, and boost overall cognitive abilities. Topics covered include memory enhancement, accelerated learning, mental fitness, and personal development strategies. These resources empower individuals to unlock their brain’s full potential in various aspects of life.
I continue to benefit from this training. For instance, I can recite PI for about 100 digits, a skill that might seem like a complete waste of time. However, when I find myself stressed and can’t stop the mind chatter, recalling PI helps me regain my composure and silence the mental noise. Additionally, I’ve learned to calculate weekdays by heart, a surprisingly useful skill in certain situations.
I highly recommend learning how to learn. It not only enriches your mind but equips you with invaluable tools to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
Learn a new Language
One of the most enjoyable brain training activities, in my opinion, is learning a new language. For me, that language is Spanish. “Me gusta mucho” – I love it a lot. Learning a language perfectly aligns with all the criteria we discussed earlier.
Sure, memorizing vocabulary might not seem like the most thrilling task initially, but when you start watching Spanish movies, reading intriguing texts, or engaging in conversations with people from Spain or South America, the fun factor kicks in. It becomes an exciting journey of exploration and connection.
For me, learning Spanish isn’t just about brain training; it’s also about finding inspiration. As I plan my travels to destinations like Argentina and Chile to conquer the Andes mountains, being able to speak with the locals and immerse myself in their culture adds a whole new layer of inspiration and connection to my adventures.
In fact, I’m so passionate about this topic that I’ll be creating a dedicated post to share some valuable tips. I’ll recommend the best language learning apps, YouTube channels, and I’m going to share the material I create by myself.
In general, learn something new – a few further ideas
As I’ve mentioned before, the possibilities for brain training are virtually limitless. It all boils down to one fundamental concept: learn something new, explore different genres and topics to expand your knowledge.
Happy to hear your story
I’d love to hear your experiences and connect over our shared passions. Whether it’s brain training or learning Spanish, your insights are valuable. Let’s keep our minds engaged and inspired together.
