@Andrew, thanks for joining us. Yes, your brain gets bored fast so you have to keep changing it up!

I agree with your points about going to a foreign country and learning a foreign language, and having spent the last four years living and working in Korea, I can personally attest to the benefits of such a move.

That said, if you stay in one country too long (like I have), even a foreign country, you are stimulated at first but then you settle into a rut again (like I have).

One suggestion – learn a new musical instrument. You could even compose your own song!

@Dennis, You’re right. It’s very easy to stay with your non-stimulating habits!

@Roger, great one! I can’t believe I left off playing a musical instrument.

@Mike, fantastic adds! I like 6, 7, and 8 particularly. I’m going to start introducing myself to everyone!

@Robin, WOW! Thank you friend and I can’t wait to read your new article. That’s a tremendous comment. Mike’s idea and your example make me really want to go find some strangers to meet.

@Jonathan, yes walking backwards and reading upside down sounded weird to me when I first encountered them. I only read upside down for a while and then I flip it back and go for speed! I’m afraid if I tried to run backwards, somebody would find my brain outside my head somewhere. Thanks for the great comment and for “jogging” our brains.

Walking backwards (#2) might sound weird but I can tell you from experience that it throws your brain a curve. My driveway is about 700 feet long, uphill with curves. A couple of years ago I started walking (and jogging) up it backwards as a brain exercise. I don’t allow myself to look where I am going which means navigating by seeing where I’ve been and trying to stay centered on the road. It’s a simple exercise that also is slightly outside the comfort zone (#15). Going uphill backwards also recruits an entirely different set of motor nerves and requires an unfamiliar posture. Just one example of how a simple deviation from the norm can arouse a whole new set of neural pathways. Great list!

I also enjoyed Mike King’s #7 “Have a conversation without speaking”. His #8 is something I do on a daily basis. People laugh at me because I’ll talk with/introduce myself to people everywhere I go. Lol!! I’ve nothing to lose!

Your list is already very full. The only other thing I might add to it is: “Face what you fear.” From my own personal experience facing fear is one of the MOST powerful things we can do. Talk about expand the brain…Wow!! Facing fear uplifts us, heals our entire being and allows us to live in perpetual altered states of awareness. I hate even using “altered” as I believe it is our natural state and potential to be fully aware and fearless. Thereafter using fear only as a guide to warn or make choices. Fear can cripple and “bridle” our entire being, especially the mind. It’s a bit like being in a straight-jacket and trying to use your arms. When we don’t face what we fear our entire brain, body and being has to work very hard to keep the fear shoved down, buried and at bay. This not only requires GREAT amounts of energy, but when we shut down or shove down our fear, we not only shove the fear down we shove everything else with it. It is very hard to selectively “shut down”. A part of our brain is continually being used to carry out the “shut down” or “bury it” function. So we are are not only draining our brains but we are drawing away capacity that could be used for other functions. I hope this makes sense and is at least somewhat clear. Lol!! )

Once again you have inspired me and given me fodder for my own writing. I think I’ll use this for a post. : ) Thank you my very good friend for being such an inspiration. Robin )

3. Brush your teeth with the opposite hand. (And get good at it!)
4. Use your computer mouse with the opposite hand.
5. Learn a new keyboard layout for typing (Dvorak)
6. Do common tasks blindfolder
7. Have a conversation without speaking
8. Smile and introduce yourself to strangers (Brain is triggered by faces and associations)

Excellent ideas! I imagine that the more awkward you are trying the idea, the better it is for your brain.

Here are a couple of more:

1. Try a completely new form of exercise like Yoga.
2. Learn to play a musical instrument.