What do you do to exercise your mind?

[megan4777]

I'm going to be 30 in April and I feel like a total idiot.

I used to be able to remember things, answer trivia questions and carry on an adult conversation. I have 2 dd's, though, and I'm home with them all day. I have very little interaction with other adults b/c we live in the country and there are very few people around.

I frequently use the "placenta brain" excuse when I can't remember something or finish a sentence.

Anyway, I need something to help me exercise my mind and I'm wondering what do you do to exercise your mind?

Thanks for any help

 

[alldiz]

Planning my ADR's

 

[bevtoy]

I'm going to be 30 in April and I feel like a total idiot.

I used to be able to remember things, answer trivia questions and carry on an adult conversation. I have 2 dd's, though, and I'm home with them all day. I have very little interaction with other adults b/c we live in the country and there are very few people around.

I frequently use the "placenta brain" excuse when I can't remember something or finish a sentence.

Anyway, I need something to help me exercise my mind and I'm wondering what do you do to exercise your mind?

Thanks for any help

I work crossword puzzles and take 1 college class a semester.
It helps a lot.

 

[Hercules10]

I take the direct approach...

"OK brain! I don't like you and you don't like me. So let's just get this over with so I can get back to killing you with beer!" - Homer Simpson.

 

[va32h]

New York Times Crossword Puzzle every day.

And shameless Googling of clues that I don't know. But then I learn something, so it has a noble purpose.

The library - take my kids there every week, and find something to read. I've read fascinating books about the origins of the beer industry, the history of art forgery, life in 19th century rural America, and all sorts of random things.

I also like shows like Mythbusters or SurvivorMan, and stuff on the Food Network about how they make different foods. I found one show on Discovery that showed how they make pantyhose - and you wouldn't believe all the different machines that hose are stretched over and run through - how they endure all that only to develop massive runs the first time you put them on is truly an engineering marvel.

Anyway, I just go looking for things outside the realm of housework and children. I belong to a club for at-home moms as well, and we get together to talk about whatever is on our minds. It's fun. Sometimes, I try something (like an art exhibit or a book) and it's totally boring. But that's okay too. Just keep looking.

 

[olena]

Reading helps me a LOT. Lately, I have been enjoying literary classics. Right now, I'm in the middle of Jane Eyre.

I also sing with a choir. Reading music is a puzzle in itself at times.... Add in singing the right notes and it's a workout for mind, body and soul. I always feel great after rehearsal, especially since it relieves stress and lifts my spirits.

 

[kidzmom3]

I love the Nintendo DS game Brain Age. It has really good Sodoku games, plus other things to help your pre-frontal cortex. Also, a test to see what your brain age is. Mine was 64 the first time I played. But i was exhausted on XMAS night. If you are tired your score is lower.

 

[Goofyluver]

I love the Nintendo DS game Brain Age. It has really good Sodoku games, plus other things to help your pre-frontal cortex. Also, a test to see what your brain age is. Mine was 64 the first time I played. But i was exhausted on XMAS night. If you are tired your score is lower.

Oh my gosh!! Brain age is my new obsession! My first brain age was in the 80s! Now, I'm usually in the 20s and 30s. This is a wonderful way to exercise your mind.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I heavily research something small I've always wanted to know or something someone has told me (I do research to prove if it's true). Example, I had always wanted to know where pimentos come from and what they actually were so I did research on the internet on it. Another example, a guy I work with (he's very ditzy) told me that the government had a program that if you had enough land they give you a buffalo for free . I did research on this and never found the Buffalo program but did find very interesting facts on buffaloes and their history (but I didn't say anything to him as I would hate to crush his dream of getting free buffalo ).

My mom reads the entire newspaper every day. I have more energy for pimentos than I do to read the paper every day though.

 

[korbbec]

I read alot of books, play alot of games and do pages and pages of pencil puzzles.

 

[frndofpooh]

Read, read, read! Expand beyond the novel into biography and non fiction. Also, we do crossword puzzles and play the 24 game (it's a math card game that's based on speed and can be quite challenging!).

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

Sudoku and crossword puzzles

Read lots-- classics, best sellers, daily newspaper, Newsweek, and a few other mags.

I was home for 4 years with my kids, and I felt the same way. If you can take night/weekend classes or join some sort of group, it helps. Anything to get out of the house. I did some volunteer work on a political campaign. I also went to an exercise class several times a week. They say that helps the brain as well, and it's nice being around other people.

 

[SC Minnie]

crossword puzzles and other puzzle type things in the paper every morning.

We also what a some trivia game shows.

 

[luvflorida]

I read quite a bit, and I love working jigsaw puzzles. I really get into trivia books and games, too.

I also just love to know stuff, if that makes any sense. Sometimes I'll just think about something, or hear it, or read it somewhere, and want to know more about it. I get all excited sitting down at the computer and searching the internet for information. Don't get in my way if I'm running to the computer to search for something!

When planning trips and vacations, I can spend hours researching and gathering information. Last year, for example, for a trip to Charleston, South Carolina I wasn't satisified to just get information on things to do in Charleston. No, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Curiousity had me researching the entire state's history, geography, statistics, you name it.

I drive my family crazy at times!

 

[NMAmy]

Reading helps me a LOT. Lately, I have been enjoying literary classics. Right now, I'm in the middle of Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre has been one of my favorite books ever since I was a teenager. After you're done, give yourself a little treat by reading The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde.

I agree with the advice to Read, Read, Read. Anything and everything! I also do crossword puzzles and DH and I play along with Jeopardy every night.

 

[LisaL]

My work and my research keep my brain functioning.

 

[Amberle3]

I read, do crosswords and play games on www.pogo.com

 

[Kitty 34]

I play Boggle, Upwords and other word games.

 

[megan4777]

Thanks for all the replies! I used to watch Jeopardy with DH but he gets all the answers right ALL the freaking time so I stopped

I love to read but when I get the time I'm usually exhausted and get 2 pages into a book before I fall asleep.
I also started doing the sodoku puzzles and I like them but have to cheat to make sure my answers are correct as I go along

I'm thinking of finishing my college degree this summer so maybe I'll feel grown up again during that.

thanks again!

 

[TheGoofster]

Study the Bible extensively
Read a lot of books
Write
Crossword puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles
post comments on the DIS (or is that having the opposite effect???)