In looking at the incredibly jumbled information out there about brain fitness and brain games and attempting to provide some useful information to readers, something somewhat uncluttered from hype and the jargon of the researchers, I have done some keyword research.
One of the terms I searched was brain-fitness-coach-job and a couple of the articles returned held some interest for me, one from
Sharp Brains Blog
called "The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains" and another that speaks to the use of Wii from Nintendo in nursing homes in St. Louis.
Soon there will be folks out there calling themselves Brain Fitness Coaches, and someone will be certifying them, and consumers who are worried about senior moments will be paying them, but at this point there does not appear to be any generalization of what practicing brain games do for us to increased or sustained performance in life.
In other words, I practice a game, I get good at the game, but I do not necessarily have a better memory, for example.
However, the folks at the nursing home are using the Nintendo Wii tools anyway, and I applaud them for that. If their clients are interested and enjoy the games, then the nursing home administrators should be applauded for their use of this tool.
And Alvaro Fernandez in the article linked above says that we are our own best brain coach, and we can take charge of our own brain workouts by doing the following things;
"The LA Times just completed a wonderful 4-part series on how learning and memory work. The NYT re-emphasized the importance of physical exercise for neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons). To put this news in better perspective, let's review some good lifestyle options we can follow to maintain, and improve, our vibrant brains.
1. Learn what is the "It" in "Use It or Lose It". A basic understanding will serve you well to appreciate your brain's beauty as a living and constantly-developing dense forest with billions of neurons and synapses.
2. Take care of your nutrition. Did you know that the brain only weighs 2% of body mass but consumes over 20% of the oxygen and nutrients we intake? As a general rule, you don't need expensive ultra-sophisticated nutritional supplements, just make sure you don't stuff yourself with the "bad stuff".
3. Remember that the brain is part of the body. Things that exercise your body can also help sharpen your brain: physical exercise enhances neurogenesis.
4. Practice positive, future-oriented thoughts until they become your default mindset and you look forward to every new day in a constructive way. Stress and anxiety, no matter whether induced by external events or by your own thoughts, actually kills neurons and prevent the creation of new ones. You can think of chronic stress as the opposite of exercise: it prevents the creation of new neurons.
5. Thrive on Learning and Mental Challenges. The point of having a brain is precisely to learn and to adapt to challenging new environments. Once new neurons appear in your brain, where they stay in your brain and how long they survive depends on how you use them. "Use It or Lose It" does not mean "do crossword puzzle number 1,234,567". It means, "challenge your brain often with fundamentally new activities".
We are (as far as we know) the only self-directed organisms in this planet. Aim high. Once you graduate from college, keep learning. The brain keeps developing, no matter your age, and it reflects what you do with it.
Explore, travel. Adapting to new locations forces you to pay more attention to your environment. Make new decisions, use your brain.
Don't Outsource Your Brain. Not to media personalities, not to politicians, not to your smart neighbour... Make your own decisions, and mistakes. And learn from them. That way, you are training your brain, not your neighbour's.
Develop and maintain stimulating friendships. We are "social animals", and need social interaction. Which, by the way, is why 'Baby Einstein' has been shown not to be the panacea for children development.
Laugh. Often. Especially to cognitively complex humor, full of twists and surprises. Better, try to become the next Jon Stewart (Note: I just corrected his name from "John"...which may call for a #11: Spellcheck!)
Now, remember that what counts is not reading this article-or any other-, but practicing a bit every day until small steps snowball into unstoppable, internalized habits...so, pick your next battle and try to start improving at least one of these 10 habits today! For more in-depth information on these topics, check our Brain Fitness Topics section. "
Mind Sparke Brain Fitness Pro is the program which has made the biggest difference in my brain fitness. Click this link for the best possible training. The more you practice the better you get. No upper end.
Mind Sparke Brain Fitness Pro
If you are curious about what all the hullabaloo is about, you can get a two week free trial with the Lumosity folks, and practice what I am sure will be one of the standards for brain training. I have tried them and found them challenging and enjoyable.
OK, you have downloaded the free ware, but your mind map looks no different than your legal tablet outline, really disorganized. Time for the tutorial.
My brand new site is already getting searches that tell me there is a need for specific information on counseling topics. Would you tell me yours? Mike Logan, Logan Counseling, Inc. 2917 N. Main St. Rockford, Il. 61103 815-484-0946. To talk with a therapist, call 815-316-2126 for Julie Logan, LCSW.