Exercise and Activating the Brain

By reviewing the particulars of being right or left brained and by just experiencing everyday life, you can probably tell what side of the brain is most dominant for you. Most experts agree that most of us don’t employ the full function of our minds simply because we are only using part of it.

You’ve probably heard or even been involved in a discussion about which “side” you operate from when it comes to your brain. While left brainers might boast of their analytical skills or advanced math abilities, self-proclaimed right-brained thinkers might admire their creativity and imagination. But how do you know if you are right minded or left minded or a combination of both? And how can you make sure both sides of your noggin are doing their share?

What is Right and Left Brain?       

The brain is divided down the middle into two hemispheres, with each side completing different tasks. The right side of the brain typically is responsible for the creative stuff, such as imagination, visual processing, big picture thinking and intuition, while the left side is more analytical, verbally oriented and focused on detailed information.

Some people tend to use more of their right hemisphere, while others utilize the left. By reviewing the particulars of being right or left brained and by just experiencing everyday life, you can probably tell what side of the brain is most dominant for you. Most experts agree that most of us don’t employ the full function of our minds simply because we are only using part of it.

So how do we “work out” both sides of the brain?

If you are a left-brained thinker, try some of these tactics or exercises to utilize more of the right side.

• Visualize: When reading or studying something, try to visualize or imagine what is happening. Combining the written text and visual images will help both sides of your brain work together.
• Play That Funky Music: Listen to music while reading so that you can get your right brain involved in the interpretation.
• Get a Hobby: Start a hobby such as drawing, painting or calligraphy—anything that requires creativity to get your right brain involved.
• Ditch the Schedule: This is difficult for a “left brainer” to do. Getting off your normal routine by doing random things will keep your right brain involved in your activities. If you work in an office or on a computer every day, take breaks for outdoor exercise or a simple walk with a co-worker. You could just close your eyes and think of random ideas—anything that gives you a break from your normal routine.

If you are a right brained thinker, try some of the following to use both sides of your brain.

Details, Details: For a right brained thinker, this may garner a cringe, but, as much as possible, think of situations and problems in detail. Instead of looking at the whole picture, which feels natural, gather all the facts, process the information and make your decision from that point.

• Don’t Avoid Numbers: Use numbers throughout the day. Studying accounting, mathematics and analytics trains the left side of your brain while increasing your ability to use your whole intelligence. Don’t avoid using numbers, as this hinders building up both brain hemispheres.
• Make a Plan: Aim to create a schedule and follow it. Set goals, write them down, and record your steps toward that plan. For longer-term goals, break them up into smaller, more detailed targets and track your progress.
• Get Complex: Find a game to play, but make sure it is multifaceted. Try chess, pinochle, bridge or any other complex game that interests you and stimulates the left brain functions. This is a great combination for utilizing both sides of the brain as well.
• Work with Numbers: Get involved with numbers, such as doing basic banking, accounting or math, to train your left brain while increasing your ability to use your whole brain. Try not to avoid numbers, as they are crucial to developing both of your brain hemispheres.

Battle of the Brains—Men and Women

     Several studies indicate that while men use their logical left brain to solve problems, most women are likely to be expressive, using their emotional right brain to conquer issues. And it’s no wonder, since countless books and movies have been made depicting these relationships. Most experts would agree, however, that using the full brain is key to coming up with better, more successful solutions.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Just because you’re building your brain doesn’t mean you can forget everything else. Doing brain exercises are no substitute for leading a healthy lifestyle, and that means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and tweaking social relationships.

While challenging your brain hemispheres is fun, sudden changes in speech, memory or motor coordination may be the sign of a serious health condition and require emergency care. If you are concerned about healthy brain function, make sure to get advice from a qualified health care professional and follow their guidelines for optimal mind and body health.