Daily Habits for a Sharper Mind and Stronger Memory

42. Practice “Neurobics” with Your Senses

Neurobics—brain exercises using sensory novelty—challenge your mind to process the world differently. Start with brushing your teeth with your eyes closed, or eating dinner in silence while focusing only on texture and flavor. These activities activate underused neural circuits and boost cross-sensory integration. You can also try navigating your home in the dark (safely!) or showering without music for one day. When the brain is deprived of one input, it amplifies others—heightening perception and cognitive adaptability. Think of it as brain yoga: unfamiliar, slightly weird, and exactly what your neurons crave.

43. Learn a New Joke (and Tell It)

Humor isn’t just social glue—it’s a cognitive workout. Learning and retelling a joke activates memory, timing, linguistic creativity, and emotional intelligence all at once. The setup engages short-term memory and sequencing; the punchline taps into surprise and abstraction. Better yet, making someone laugh strengthens social bonds and lowers cortisol, boosting recall and focus. Make it a habit: learn one clever joke each week, commit it to memory, and deliver it with confidence. Bonus points if it’s wordplay or observational humor, which challenge the brain to make nuanced connections. Laughing matters—neurologically and socially.