DON’T LOSE YOUR MIND

Q: I know the Mind Works classes meet once a week, but how much more should people be doing on their own? Are we to be exercising our brains every day, and if so, for how long?

A: We all need to exercise mentally every day. For that matter, physically as well. Keeping our bodies and brains healthy and fit is the most important part of our lives, and to do that, exercise is essential.
The kinds of exercise can vary, however, depending upon the person, his or her likes, dislikes, and abilities. The amount of time spent must also vary, depending on individual responsibilities and activities.
For people who attend my classes, that possible problem is solved, somewhat. I always assign “homework”- by request, incidentally. It is a problem to solve or an activity to carry out. The amount of time spent varies, depending on each individual. Some people are likely to find it easier than will others. In any case, I try to choose something interesting, challenging, and above all, fun.
For others, find things that most interest you, and that you will pursue to the finish. Daily newspapers’ crosswords, crypto puzzles, and/or Jumbles are a place to start if you have not yet begun your mental exercise. If those do not get your interest whetted, try your local bookstore to find other options. There are usually many.
If puzzles of various kinds seem to be of little importance, consider your local adult education institution and a possible course that would interest you. Perhaps a new language would catch your attention. Such a class would involve meeting new people as well as sharing a new interest. Meeting new people is always important and should be a part of our life. Such interaction is stimulating and good for making the brain do some work.
Depending upon your physical exercise wishes, there is certainly a possibility that it may be combined with mental activity. For example, if you enjoy walking as a method of physical exercise, try paying close attention to the area in which you walk. Use all five of your senses as you follow your path. What do you see? Are there houses, flowers, or a road way? What do you hear? Cars and trucks cruising by, radios blaring, trains or airplanes in the distance—many usual noises in most neighborhoods. What did you feel? Is there a cool breeze, a bit of warm sun? Maybe you touched some tree bark, or some leaves on plants growing nearby. What did you smell and/or taste? Were there fragrant flowers close by? How about a fruit tree along the walkway?
As always, I will mention that walking with a friend will allow an interchange of questions and answers about things that you have observed. Different objects, sounds and odors are often observed by each person.
I hope that you can spend time every day paying close attention to happenings around you. The importance cannot be stressed too much.