Take the Einstein workout
Do you ever wish you were more creative and spontaneous? Or do you secretly yearn to be more practical and academic?
According to a mounting body of research, these very traits - commonly thought to be fixed - can be enhanced. All you need to do is a series of physical exercises that improve the connections between your two brain hemispheres.
The brain hemispheres regulate different types of thought: the left half, controlling the body's right side, oversees rational and analytical thought, while the right half, controlling the body's left side, oversees intuition and emotion.
Most of us use one side of the brain more than the other, especially under stress. However, repeated use of one side of the brain can lead to that half being dominant and the other underactive.
The good news is that a series of simple physical exercises devised by Dr Paul Dennison, a US educationalist, has been found to integrate brain function, improving processing in the weaker brain side.
"The exercises mainly involve moving the arms and legs of both sides of the body in the same way, one after the other," says Kay McCarroll, of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation. " Movements on one side of the body will stimulate activity in the opposite hemisphere. By activating both sides of the brain alternately, you are building up and balancing the neural connections between the two."
THE BRAIN WORKOUT
Hook-ups While sitting or standing, cross one ankle over the other. Cross the same-sided wrist over the other and touch palms together. Interlock your fingers, drawing your hands up towards your chest. Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth so your jaw relaxes. Sit or stand in this way for one minute, eyes closed, breathing deeply. Swap hands and feet and repeat.
What it does: encourages listening, learning and emotional cognition.
Brain buttons Make a V-shape with the thumb and index finger of one hand, placing it at the middle of your chest, just beneath the collarbone. Rub this point for 20 or 30 seconds, while placing the other hand over your navel. Change hands and repeat.
What it does: centres the brain, helping with logical thinking, focus and reading.
Cross crawl While standing, lift your left knee and touch it with your right hand, then lift your right knee and touch it with your left hand. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
What it does: aids reading, writing, listening, and co-ordination.
Lazy eights
Extend one arm in front of you. With one thumb pointing upwards, slowly trace a large figure of eight on its side. While moving, keep your neck relaxed and your head upright as you focus on your thumb.
What it does: helps reading, writing and hand-eye co-ordination.
Calf pump
Standing up straight with hands on hips, step backwards with your left leg. Move the knee of the right leg forward and lower your left heel to the floor, lengthening the calf muscle. Change legs and repeat.
What it does: helps with concentration and spelling.
For further info send an SAE and £3 to the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, 12 Golders Rise, London NW4 2HR.
