Physical Exercises

• It turns out that physical exercise isn't just good for your body, but for your brain as well. A 2002 study by Carl Cotman and Nicole Bertchtold showed that exercising is one of the best ways to enhance brain health and plasticity. This study concluded that physical exercise triggers production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is directly related to the brain's ability to change, grow and adapt. Running, walking, biking or playing any sport are all good ways to get the exercise your brain needs for plasticity.
  
  

Learning Exercises

• Anything that teaches you something new will help with brain plasticity. Whether studying something as complex as learning a new language or doing something as simple as trying to teach yourself to write with the opposite hand, your brain will begin to form new connections when you learn new things. Additional exercises that can increase the plasticity of the brain include learning to play a musical instrument, taking classes or simply learning to play a new game or hobby.
  
  

Computer Exercises

• Computer exercises are great for brain plasticity because they can automatically adjust the difficulty level to keep you challenged and engaged. Instead of a traditional game that may be the same every time you play it, electronic games can present different situations and experiences every time you play, which causes your mind to come up with new solutions and therefore form new connections and increase plasticity. Any computer game that has increasingly difficult levels is a good choice, but there are also various computer software programs specifically designed with brain plasticity in mind. Some examples of these types of computer games for the brain include Brain Fitness, Mindfit and Lumosity.
  
  

Memory Exercises

• Some people accept loss of memory as an inevitable part of the aging process. However, any exercise that requires use of your short-term memory can help with brain plasticity and decrease age-related memory loss. The memory exercises can be simple, such as trying to remember a series of phone numbers or answering comprehension questions after listening to a radio program. Even simple activities like these will strengthen your memory skills and increase the plasticity of your brain.