Brain Workout

You will probably know that the human brain is an incredibly complicated instrument, and that scientists may never understand everything there is to know about it.

But did you know that we rarely use it as effectively as we might?

Parts of the brain that would come in extremely useful as you prepare for your tests and exams could do with a bit of a workout!

These exercises are used the world over to get all parts of the brain fit to learn.

Try them before revision sessions, when you’re having a break….and especially just before exams.

An easy one to start!

Double Doodle

Just what it says!

• Start with two pens and one piece of paper.
• Begin by just scribbling with both hands at the same time.
• Then try a variety of shapes such as circles, squares, triangles and so on.

Lazy 8’s (A figure eight lying down!)

• Starting with the midpoint of an imaginary figure eight at eye level, draw the figure in the air with the point of your finger.
• Keep your arm straight.
• Start with your left hand.
• Do it three times.
• Now switch to your right.
• Do it three times.
• Repeat the whole process three times.

Now try it with both hands together!

Lazy Elephant

Just the same as the lazy 8, but this time rest your head on the shoulder of the arm you are using.

Cross Crawl

• Stand
• Raise your left knee
• Gently pat it with your right hand
• Lower your left leg and right arm
• Raise your right leg
• Gently pat it with your left hand
• Lower your right leg and left arm
• Repeat the whole process for as long as you like

Cross Overs

This is not only very useful for getting both sides of the brain active at the same time, but it’s also a laugh! Get the family doing it!

• Gently hold your nose between your right forefinger and your right thumb
• Raise your left arm across the outside of your right arm
• Gently hold you right ear lobe between the thumb and first finger of your left hand.
• Drop your hands down by your sides.
• Gently hold your nose between your left forefinger and your left thumb
• Raise your right arm across the outside of your left arm
• Gently hold your left ear lobe between the thumb and first finger of your right hand.
• Drop your hands down by your sides.
• Continue until you become reasonably skilled at it!