It is inherently challenging to find new ways to engage and stimulate your brain. We all have the things that we like to do and the things that we need to do; but, how can we be sure to sprinkle in enough new challenges to keep our brains working hard?
Our brains love novelty. Our attention and focus turn into high gear in new environments and original situations. Ever given speech in front of a large audience? If so, I bet you can remember how nervous you were, and how every little detail of the day was magnified.
Our brain’s specific attunement to novelty has evolutionary roots. Homo Sapiens who sought out novelty and took risks (in search of food and shelter) were more likely to survive and thus passed on their genes. For novelty to be interpreted as “good” to our brains, it needs to be associated with some type of reward. For example, if swimming laps at the pool is a new activity for you, the reward is feeling stronger and sleeping better, as a result of the physical exercise.
It is important to seek novelty that is within the realm of your capabilities. If you go too far beyond your current level of ability, the chances of success are lowered and you might end up feeling unsuccessful and defeated. You cannot go from not exercising at all, to tackling a 10-hour hike. Perhaps your first exercise goal will be to visit the local pool once a week to swim laps (an excellent cardiovascular exercise). If you are ever in the downtown Toronto area, you could check out the Regent Park Aquatic Centre on Dundas St E. for free programs (click here for more information).
The point is to do something that is new for you, but still within your capacity. For example, if you are able, swim 10 laps at the pool on your first day. Once you master the first hurdle, step up the challenge. Next week, try for 15 laps (if your abilities allow). Then you can start timing yourself for an extra push.
How can you begin to integrate novel habits into your life?
Be specific:
Meditate for 10 minutes tomorrow morning. Get clear on the goal (in this example, "what", "when" and "for how long").
Make it personal:
You value a clear, calm and peaceful mind. Meditating will help you achieve this goal by strengthening your mind (more on the benefits of meditation in an upcoming blog post!).
Attach it to an already existing habit:
After you finish drinking your morning cup of coffee or tea, meditate for 10 minutes (you can use the timer on your phone to keep track).
What do you do to seek novelty on a regular basis? COMMENT BELOW.
CONCLUSION
I hope that this series of posts has offered you a deeper look at what it means to seek physical, social and novel stimulation and how to integrate it into your everyday life.
Our goal at Brain Shape® is to help facilitate true change in your life by forming new and beneficial habits.
Action step:
Identify one way that you keep your brain healthy using physical, social or novel activities and let me know! How often do you do it? Daily, weekly? Once every three months?
As a mental exercise, try to revamp your approach to brain fitness so that it includes all three pillars of a healthy mind (physical, social, and novel). Send me your thoughts by commenting below or email me at andrea@brainshape.ca.