“31 Ways To Get Smarter In 2012”

Today I discovered a marvelous article in the latest Newsweek:“31 WAYS TO GET SMARTER IN 2012.”

There are 31 practical suggestions to get those cobwebs cleared out of your brain. Drink more water, get more sleep, take naps, knit, eat yogurt, nibble on dark chocolate, take in some Shakespeare, learn a language, pick up a musical instrument, “ditch your blackberry” now and then, get out of town, -just to mention a few….

Wow, I thought,  all this stuff makes sense! And then, I found what I was hoping to see-

#24 “Write By Hand. Remember what that feels like? Brain scans show that handwriting engages more sections of the brain than typing.  Bonus brain boost: it’s easier to remember something once you’ve written it down on paper.”-Sharon Begley

Now there’s a Perfect Resolution for 2012- Hand write more letters! Back away from the gadgets and pick up the pen and paper.  Letter writing not only offers an opportunity to connect with someone, it sharpens one’s critical thinking by offering the writer a chance to reflect on feelings and experiences and then craft the wording to become better understood.

If handwriting is a brick wall, begin by doodling. Handwriting help will be featured next week.

Newsweek,  January 9 & 16, 2012, “Buff Your Brain, Plus 31 Ways to Get Smarter in 2012” – Sharon Begley

Also see-  How Handwriting Boosts the Brain – WSJ.com