Today (Tuesday, October 13) is Train Your Brain Day so I thought I would find a few fun ways for us to celebrate.
Don’t worry if you struggle with these activities or videos though because October 13 is also the International Day For Failure – a day to celebrate the important role that failure plays in the learning process.
So, even if you make a total mess of the brain training, you can console yourself with the fact that you ARE learning and that you are celebrating both Train Your Brain Day and International Day For Failure at the same time.
That would be pretty impressive, don’t you think? There’s really no downside to giving this whole thing a try!
Is solving a Rubik’s Cube specifically mentioned in the articles I read? No. Does it seem like the kind of challenge that would be beneficial? Yes. Image description: a photo of someone’s hands holding a Rubik’s Cube as they turn one column of squares into place.
So, let’s get started with the whole Brain Training/Day for Failure cycle then, shall we?
I’m giving you a big list of links and a bunch of videos but I don’t want you to break your brain.
Just pick one or two things to try, pretty please. No need to overwhelm ourselves!
And, finally, here is just a sample of all the fun videos I found about training your brain.
A video from Justin Agustin called How to Improve Brain Power/ Easy Brain Exercises to Improve Memory. On the right side the still image shows Justin (a man with light brown skin, very short/shaved hair, and a green sweatshirt), using his left index finger to point to his right hand which has two fingers raised. In the middle of the image is a pink image of a brain and text reading 6 Powerful Brain Exercises is on the left.
This video from the Wellness Cupboard is called 2 Min Brain Boost Quick Hand Exercises: Day 1. The still image shows a pair of light-skinned hands with their fingertips pressed together and the background is beige with text reading Neuro-nimble Series Day 1 in brown on the upper right. Their channel includes a whole playlist of activities like this.
This video from NeuroYoga is called Halloween Memory Challenge: Where Was It? Brain Game and the still image is supposed to represent a spooky night. The majority of the background is purple with a darker purple representing the night sky and lighter purple representing clouds. The ground at the bottom is black and there are small houses with triangular tops and a few trees at the bottom and a few black bats in the sky. Text in white reads Train Your Memory Halloween Challenge “Where Was It?”
This video by SENDCo is for kids but I found it fun so I included it. It’s called Brain Break Hand Movement Routine for Focus and Crossing the Midline. The still image shows a landscape in the background with a simple drawing of green hills against a light blue sky. There are two hands near the bottom of the image with the palms facing the viewer. The left hand is pink and the right hand is blue. Text in black reads Cross the Midline Bilaterial Coordination. Copy the left and right hands and pulse to the beat. The words left hand are next to the pink hand and the words right hand are next to the blue. A blue numeral 5 is on the right side of the image near the bottom.
This video from Yoga with Adriene is called Yoga for Brain Power and shows Adriene (a woman in her 30s with light skin and brown hair that is pinned up, wearing black leggings and a grey shirt) standing on her yoga mat in the middle of her living room doing tree pose (left foot resting on right inner thigh) with her arms in the air. Her dog Benji is sleeping on the floor behind her near some potted plants.
This video from Jim Kwik is called 5 Exercises to Improve Memory and Concentration. The still image features Jim Kwik an Asian man with short black hair in a black tshirt who is standing up with his right arm raised and his right hand over his head. There is a black rectangle with text reading Brain Exercises and featuring a small cartoon picture of a brain superimposed over him at waist-height.
This video from The Calm and Content Mind is called Balancing Exercises (the Cerebellum Connection): Inspired by the Book ADHD 2.0. The still image shows the instructor (a woman with light skin and brown hair that is pinned up, wearing a burgundy long-sleeved shirt, leggins, and black sneakers without socks) standing on a small square and holding her arms out to the sides, level with her shoulders. She is in a room with beige walls that have white trim and there is a window to one side with the white blind closed. There is a painting with lots of green in it behind her on her left.
This video from Ageless Grace Brain Health is called The 21 Tools of Ageless Grace. And the still image shows the instructor, a woman with blonde shoulder-length hair and bangs wearing an orange shirt and dark pants, sitting in a chair with her eyes closed and her hands raised in front of her at chest height. She is in the middle of a movement that may be about turning her hands in a circle. She is sitting in a living room chair and there are shelves of photos and knick-knacks behind her on her left and a table with knick-knacks behind her on her right.
This video from Power for Parkinson’s is called Boost Your Brain with this Standing Cardio Workout for Parkinson’s and the still image features the instructor (a woman with long curly brown hair, light skin, and glasses, wearing a black tshirt that says Power for Parkinson’s) mid-movement on the left and the title of the video in yellow on the right.
This video from Yes2Next is called 15 Min Brain + Body Workout for Seniors and features the two video participants, one on either side of the image with the video title in the center. The words ’15-Minute’ are white and are enclosed in a purple rectangle, the words Brain + Body are in yellow with a purple outline. The person on the left is the main instructor (a middle-aged Asian woman with a pink tanktop and black pants with a big smile and her right arm held up in a non-aggressive fist), the person on the right is an elderly Asian woman (the instructor’s mother) with short grey hair, glasses and a small smile. She is wearing a black sweatshirt that says Live Your Yes2Next and she is holding up one finger on her right hand and is making the ‘thumbs-up’ signal with her left hand.
Blogger buddy Diane shared this NBC News article on our blogger group page, “The secret to a good night’s rest? Let sleeping dogs next to you” The article discusses a University of Toronto study that found that dogs do not interrupt human’s sleeping patterns. In fact, the human is more likely to disrupt the dog’s sleep than the other way around. Also, “we feel safer with our dogs, hinting at “a deeper evolutionary history” between humans and dogs, said study co-author Ming Fei Li, who was a graduate student of evolutionary anthropology during the research.”
This doesn’t surprise me. I commented that, “My dogs used to sleep with us. Unfortunately, with my senior dog, he can’t sleep in our bed anymore..I miss it so much.”
When I first adopted Barley, our shih tzu, I was single, had never had a pet, brought him into my bed the first night I brought him home and woke up to him licking my face. The thought of him not sleeping in my bed, never occurred to me. I hadn’t heard about crating them or that letting them sleep in your bed might cause control issues and I’m so glad that I didn’t know about the “rules”. Besides waking me up with kisses, Barley used to nestle behind my legs while I slept. Sometimes, it felt as though he was trying to get as close as possible, or closer than possible, and, it was a sure-fire way to ensure he was firmly nestled in my heart.
When Gavin (husband) came along several months later with two dogs – Miggy (Miigwetch) and Callie, Miggy hopped into bed with us. Callie, who was a bit bigger, would plant her face on the bed and insinuate she wanted to come up. Gavin has suggested I wouldn’t let her up, but I don’t think that’s true.
There were the logistics of having two dogs in the queen size bed at my place. Gavin had a king size bed at his apartment, at the time, and that certainly made it more comfortable with the dogs. That depends on what is meant by more comfortable. Sure, there was more space for two humans and two dogs. However, having the two dogs cuddled in the middle of us, was quite comfortable for me, even in the queen size bed, thank you!
Gavin used to joke about it (the dogs in the bed) being too much but I don’t think he ever really minded. Callie left us in that first year together (about 11 years ago). Barley left us about a year and a half ago. Miggy (mini schnauzer) is still with us (poo poo poo) but with age and the loss of many of his senses, fear of him falling off the bed or tumbling down the stairs, plus his incontinence which requires doggy diapers, has relegated him to his doggy bed downstairs. He is no longer in our bed. Have I mentioned I miss it?
I can see why the University of Toronto study found that humans can feel safer with their dogs in their bed. If a snuggly, warm, little, love bug, that doesn’t ask for anything in return other than your body heat, doesn’t make you feel safer, calmer, more relaxed, then what does?!
Does your dog (or cat) sleep with you? Do you think it affects your sleep in a positive way? I hear some cats get a lot of their steps in at night. Sometimes “over” their humans. Is that right, Cate?
To be clear, I love my job. I still find lots of what I do for work energizing and important. And I plan to work for quite a few more years yet.
But as friends start to retire– here’s looking at you Nat, Tracy, and Diane– I’m a little jealous of the freedom and flexibility that comes with not working.
It strikes me especially in the fall when we have glorious days but the evenings get dark so early. Wouldn’t it be nice to go for more weekday rides?
I suspect the challenge will be, when I get there, finding other people to ride with. I’m not a big fan of riding alone. I envy Nat who is both retired and who prefers solo riding.
Are you a cyclist retired from paid work? How did you find people to ride with? Is it really as good riding on weekdays as I imagine?
What are your evening wind-down rituals? I know we’ve blogged about this before in a group post about winding down, but I’m reaching again for help.
My Garmin watch keeps suggesting that in light of my demanding, stressful days that I develop a wind-down routine. I’ve asked here before about de-stressing exercises.
But maybe there’s more to winding down than exercise? (Joke. I know there is. I’m just not very good at it.)
I am good about putting my phone away when I go upstairs for bedtime. I do some stretching and mobility exercises. I can’t read in the evenings because of my eyes but I potter and tidy while listening to audiobooks. I usually watch one show. These days it’s Slow Horses, Dark Matter, or Ted Lasso. I’ve just finished Ride or Die, Strange New Worlds, and Dalliance. (Friends have recommended Lanterns, Spider-Noir, The Other Bennet Sister, Detectorists, Leftovers, and Dark. Anything you’d add to the list?)
But back to winding down in the evening, aside from watching our favorite shows. What do you find helpful and relaxing? What’s your bedtime routine?
Forget pumpkin spice– the real October fans eschew such commercial trends and head straight to the source (the pumpkin patch, naturally), in search of the largest pumpkins on the planet for, what else: pumpkin boat racing!
If you hurry (that is, finish that coffee, take a quick shower and find your car keys), you might be able to make it in time for the Damariscotta, Maine Pumpkinfesr Regatta. It’s the marquee event of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, which features the following lineup:
So many events to choose from! Just so you know, this is a pumpkins-at-every-size friendly festival.
In case you think this is just a silly event (well, it is, but it’s not just silly– it requires skill and coordination), here’s a little reporting about the difficulty and expertise needed:
“Keeping the boats straight up,” said Weiss. “It’s like trying to get into and, if you can imagine, trying to paddle a basketball. They don’t stay up very well.”
Weiss said frogmen are in the water to assist the numerous competitors that fall in. The giant pumpkins in the regatta are harvested by commercial growers.
A lot goes into the preparation for the boats. This guy, who must be basing his design on washing machines, shows how one sizes the cockpit.
We should ask this guy if it’s harder to paddle a pumpkin boat or a washing machine boat. I’m sure he knows.
I’m not sure what the actual rules are regarding assistive technology for regatta entrants. I mean, can you pilot an e-pumpkin boat, or is it paddles only? Maybe there’s a gnome-exemption rule– dress like a gnome, you can use whatever aids you want. We should ask this guy:
Pumpkin motorboat, anyone? Extra gnome passengers optional.
I wish I could say I was going today. But, hey, there’s always next year to look forward to.
Dear readers, how are you commemorating pumpkin season? Any pumpkin runs planned? Spooky kayaking? I’d love to hear from you.
I’m 52 today and driving up to Cambridge for a family dinner.
I’ve been kicked out of the kitchen-happy birthday Mom!
My adult children have asserted that I don’t need to cook Thanksgiving dinner. They think they are doing me a favour.
Some silly eye glasses have “happy birthday” written above them.
The thing is, I quite enjoy putting on a big feed. Food is love made real and wrestling up a load of grub is how I spoil people.
My kids insisted, as it is also my birthday, that they cook. I was offered the choice of location, my place or theirs. I think it’s easier for them to cook at their place. So Michel and I are packing Lucy and our contributions to the feast into the Nat Mobile. It’s just over an hour away.
Fall leaves are a not so subtle reminder of time passing.
I remember this type of discussion happening with Gran when I was 10 or so. Surely she was much older we all decided she was far too old to cook for us? Doing the math she might have been 55 or 60. Looking back it was motivated by kindness but currently it feels a little condescending. I’m not THAT old. I do deadlifts!
Michel finds all of this quite funny, the feminist clinging to food making, especially on my birthday.
He keeps explaining to me that the kids want to show they are adults. At 25 & 27 they certainly are adults. It’s hard not to compare my life at those ages to theirs. I had two kids by 27, was an Air Force Captain and owned a house. It’s very different now.
Accepting my fate?
So I’m bringing fancy sodas, homemade cranberry sauce and a side of green beans. The kids have taken care of everything else.
I didn’t tell them I bought a turkey and it’s defrosting in my fridge. It’s tiny, just 10 lbs. It reminds me of a plump chicken. I will definitely be making a smaller meal for the two of us, probably on Monday for our 30th wedding anniversary.
30th Anniversary
If the weather agrees with our plans there will be a short bike ride, maybe with Lucy in her trailer. Or we might go for a hike.
Michel has the week off so it will definitely be a week of chores and moments of rest and activities, anything but his paid work!
More than 30 years of working out
I’m wearing a dark blue dress and Michel is in his scarlets for his graduation from college in 1997
When Michel and I met in 1995 I was in the military college triathlon club. He didn’t think of himself as much of an athlete. He was fast and lean. Male fitness at college at that time favoured a more burly football, hockey or rugby build so he joined me in triathlon. I remain burly and he remains lean and no one would deny that Michel is an athlete.
My dad is driving our aluminum boat with our chocolate lab, Jenna. Michel may be cracking open a cold one while I smile at the camera. We are all wearing our personal flotation devices. It’s 1995.
Collaborating on our fitness goals has been a constant in our relationship. It’s always looked different for each of us but our support and commitment to our wellbeing is the same.
Michel and I May 26, 2012 at a triathlon before the start in our swimwear .
I love that we are able to stay active together. We have our separate activities as well as our shared daily walks and strength training. It’s a good balance.
I’ll be sure to let you know how it all shook down next week. Ciao!
You know it’s an exciting find when you immediately start thinking of who you can bring with you to ride it next year and when it makes sense to come again. Friends, get ready for invitations!
It’s short, just 16 km, so it’s not worth coming just for the trail, but as part of an Algonquin camping trip, it’s perfect.
It’s a rail trail, but it’s not boring. The trail runs through the forest, not along Highway 60, except for one very short section. It’s not dead straight or completely flat. I love the curves and the bumps on the trail.
Here’s the official trail description, “The Old Railway Bike Trail is a leisurely family bicycle trail during spring, summer and fall. During the winter, the trail is a multi-purpose winter recreation trail. For most of its 16 kilometre distance the trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, opened in 1896 and decommissioned in 1959. The Old Railway Bike Trail runs from Rock Lake Campground to near Cache Lake.”
As usual, our photos don’t do the twisty bits justice because we were too busy riding.
Neither of us is a technically skilled cyclist, but we both love off-road riding. Lately, I’ve been thinking that one way to describe the trails we like is as fun but not dangerous at all, like mountain bike paths designed by cyclist parents for their kids.
Oh, if you don’t have bikes or don’t want to bring bikes with you, they also rent bikes. Shout out to the staff at the bike rental booth who fixed Sarah’s brakes when we were going to rent a bike because her brakes were stuck on. Thank you.
I think it’s one of my favorite full body exercises. It’s great for all body strength and conditioning. See here.
What is it? “A farmer’s carry (also known as a farmer’s walk or loaded carry) is a full-body strength and conditioning exercise that involves holding a heavy weight in each hand and walking for a set distance or time.” (from Gym Shark)
I feel like I’m training for carrying all the groceries in at once.
Lately I’ve been feeling strong doing them with 40 lb kettlebells. The big challenge is grip strength but I can do two lengths of our gym, down and back.
Anyway, just when I was feeling strong, this video came across my newsfeed.
My ballet teacher said something this week that really resonated. “Your job in class is to do your very best. It won’t be perfect, and what “best” is will change from day to day. That’s fine.”
She was talking to a class full of adult students. Most of us are in our 60s and 70s. At least one is 80. Some of us have been practicing for years. Some are new. One has a learning disability, I think. Another has Parkinson’s or a similar neurological disorder.
Our best will never be anything like the “best” that most people consider to be the standard for ballet dancers. So ignore the standard, and keep on doing your best, no matter what fitness activity you enjoy. You are no less of a valuable person just because you are different.
An adult dancer wearing a black leotard and skirt, and wearing pointe shoes, in a sparse-looking ballet studio.
Maybe Tracy and I peaked too early with our Fittest by Fifty plan. The headlines right now are all about a new trend, the Superfit Sixties. Or maybe the trends are just following along with us as we age?
Anyway, the Superfit Sixties stories are all over my newsfeed, because of course they are.
“Modern day sixtysomethings are aware that age is not a deterrent to some of the most challenging athletic goals, and a new tribe of hard body sexagenarians is emerging. Members of the superfit 60+ers put in longer hours at the gyms than any other age group, and average 8+ visits to the gym each month, and it’s not just gentle classes such as yoga drawing them in, it’s high intensity workouts and tough training regimens, according to Nuffield Health. The biggest rise in sports participation in recent years in among older populations, with running and cycling having massive growth, according to Sport England. Over the past 12 months England Athletics has had a 12% increase in members aged 60+ joining running clubs; and British Cycling reports over 74% of those aged 60+ saying cycling is not just to enjoy the scenery but also to seriously improve fitness.”
I don’t have much to say about this, though I am feeling pretty fit in my sixties. I’m not riding quite as much as I like, but I have been doing lots of new things, and doing a fair bit of strength training. For the first time since my knee replacements, I’m back doing squats in the squat rack, 3 sets of 155 lbs this week, and I’ve been deadlifting again as well.
I’m amused that Pexels suggests this image when searching “superfit sixties.” Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com
