There is a recent branch of science that studies how to keep
our brains active and healthy for as long as possible. With the average death
rate rising along with the incidence of dementia, we are all fearful of our
bodies outliving our brain function.
For those of us in the corporate learning and development
world, we, too, want to keep brains healthy and active in order to maximize the
transfer of training from the workshop to the workplace.
Here are three simple ways we have found to keep “smart”…
1.
Use
it. Keep your brain well-toned by
using it. Don’t fall into rigid patterns of behavior. If you do the same things
the same way day after day, you will be using the same neural pathways inadvertently
causing others to fall into disuse. Challenge yourself by trying new
routines…shifting the order of things and approaching projects differently.
2.
Practice. Use your memory every day. Recall past lessons,
tips and job aids. Reflect upon things
that worked and things that did not work.
3.
Challenge
Yourself. Try exercises that test
your expertise such as crossword puzzles or memory games. The more you engage
your brain “muscle,” the stronger it will remain.
