By Amy J. Lepine
At this time of year when everybody’s making New Year’s resolutions and setting goals, big and small, I’m making a vow to do something different every day. It’s a resolution I can keep, and one that will be good not only for my head, but also for my general well-being.
We all know how easy it is to get into a rut. Life is easy as a creature of habit. But it’s also boring, and a lack of mental stimulation can lead to psychological problems and cognitive deterioration. Scientists confirm that finding new ways to engage your brain increases neural plasticity. And while learning a new language or a new dance move are sure ways to forge those new pathways, even small changes in daily patterns can have significant positive effects. Something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand can shake things up. So this year, rather than setting big heavy goals for yourself, why not make a game out of improving your well-being by finding a new way of doing an old thing, each and every day? Yes, even until it becomes a habit.