It is often said that the brain is very similar to a muscle. It will atrophy from lack of use. With so much mindless entertainment in our world it can be easy to let the mind become a couch potato. My students often ask me...how do you get your brain back in gear? It's strenuous at first to get your brain back in shape. But once it's fully charged it can be invigorating. Your thoughts become clearer, your understanding deeper and your awareness greater. It truly is enlightening. I'm no genius by any means (not even close) but my humble advice to anyone who wishes to get off the mental couch...and I write this to myself for any future lapses...and get their brain back in gear is the following...1.) READ. Not just magazines but books, good books. If you're out of practice don't start back up with Ulysses or Tolstoy. Start off with something shorter and more accessible. If you're rusty, look for books with short chapters. Books of short stories (i.e. by Hemingway or Fitzgerald) are good as are well written escapism (i.e. Elmore Leonard) for getting back into the groove. Then alternate between the heavier stuff and the lighter fare.
2.) Turn off the T.V.
3.) Think about issues. Talk out issues out loud as you drive...alone...or people will think you strange...and don't get into the habit of answering yourself.
4.) Listen to a classical or neo-classical piece of music every once in awhile. Studies have proven that there is something about the composition of classical pieces of music that help stimulate thinking. So take the Beastie Boys out of your CD player now and then.
5.) Discuss, debate, and converse with people smarter than you. Those people are easy to find for me...they're everywhere.
6.) Write. Not an e-mail. Write with an actual pen and paper. Write in a moleskine. Write in a notebook. Write on a napkin. Write a letter. Don't just type everything. Take time to go old school every once in awhile. Studies show that writing fires up those synaptic impulses.
7.) Learn to read music and play an instrument. If you are already conversant with the treble or bass clef...take some time to play.
8.) Study a foreign language. I've been procrastinating on this one for a long time. But I'm resolved to start back up this year. When I studied Spanish in Barcelona I began to think in whole other directions.
9.) Take a class or teach a class. JUCO or whatever. Get those academic juices flowing.
10.) Watch an intellectually stimulating movie. Ones I like include 'Waking Life,' 'The Spanish Prisoner,' and 'The Constant Gardener.' Those are just a few.
Those are some things that work for me. I know there are many more things that belong on the list. Tailor things to your brain. When you are thinking...you feel more connected to life.
