Gary's Guidance: Small Significant Things That Make One Feel Alive

February 2012

 

We are more often than not a consumer of information on the topic of health care. We are exposed to numerous self-help publications, magazine articles on how to improve health, health care tips on dieting, and information about health care insurance. Usually we are in ear shot distance of media outlets and will hear something about Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease, received much attention as a big health story this past year.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your brain young and feel alive!

  • Talk with someone next to you in line at a store or event; pay attention to peoples’ faces when they tell you how they feel; read an autobiography – reinforces interpersonal intelligence
  • Read a newspaper; write a poem, join a book club; play word games; keep a journal of your thoughts – reinforces linguistic intelligence
  • Work on a jigsaw puzzle; play with blocks with your grandchild; look at paintings by paying attention to depth and brushstrokes – reinforces spatial intelligence
  • Pay attention to the weather this winter and observe any signs for spring; set up a bird feeder and learn the name of birds; observe the moon and stars – reinforces naturalist intelligence
  • Dance; learn to sew or do embroidery/knitting; learn yoga; paint/draw or build a model – reinforces bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
  • Hear new music; sing in the shower; focus on identifying musical instruments being played in a song – reinforces musical intelligence
  • Reflect about your day and set a goal for tomorrow; talk to a licensed therapist – reinforces intrapersonal intelligence
  • Peel an orange in your head – reinforces concentration, sense of smell (olfactory memory) and sequential memory

This article was adapted from “The Power of New!” by Emily Brandon, Spirituality & Health, September/October 2004

Gary Kozick, LCSW / gary@garykozick.com
1/10/2012