SET YOUR ALARM 5 MINUTES EARLY
This sounds silly. But our bodies get stuck in repetition and come to expect every little task in our daily routine - which in time makes it more challenging for us to adjust to change or to calmly deal with last minute challenges that come up without notice. Do you typically set your alarm for 7:00? Try setting it for 6:55 this month. Shake things up a bit! This is your first opportunity within your day to make some new connections within your brain and get your physical body out of a routine slump too.
SWITCH HANDS
Are you right-handed? Try brushing your teeth with your left hand this morning instead! Kobe Bryant actually did this every morning to increase his left-handed abilities on the court. When we speak about being able to do things with "our eyes closed," it's not necessarily a good thing! It means were using little to no brain power to complete the task. Why not challenge yourself in the little things? Every time we make these small changes that don't necessarily feel natural, we are creating new connections within our brain. We're growing intellectually and increasing our ability to learn and become capable of new things!
CHANGE YOUR DIGITAL CLOCK TO 24 HOUR TIME
Most of us work in industries that are either fundamentally based on numbers, math, science etc. OR the opposite - creativity based, whether it be music, art, beauty, choreography etc. Naturally, we are typically either stronger at one or the other. Right brained people are thought to be the artistic and creative type. Where as left brained men and women are often more methodical and logical in their thinking and habits. Let's say you're a numbers person. Try doing one thing each day that feels out of your comfort zone and would be considered a "right-brain" activity. Something as simple as doodling on a note pad or garnishing your dinner (5-star restaurant style) can again, create those new connections and increase our brains ability to absorb new knowledge. If you're right brained- naturally the artistic type, try doing 5 minutes of Sodoku each night before bed or change your digital clock on your phone to 24 hour time instead! At first it will take you a few extra moments to read the time but you'll be surprised at how quickly your brain adapts!
