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Attention problems get a lot of attention these days! Try this fun way to improve your skills (or try it with your child).
Here's an exercise that will actually increase your brain's processing speed. It will also strengthen attention skills, enhance working memory, and build visual manipulation skills. Try it. Many people can actually FEEL THEIR BRAIN WORKING. This exercise, when done with intensity and frequency, will actually map new neural pathways in your brain. It really will make you smarter!
1. From left to right, top to bottom, call out the direction the eyes are looking (from your perspective —"down, left, up, right..."). Have someone time you. Do it without error in 30 seconds. Keep practicing until you can do it in only 15 seconds.
2. Now try it from the face's perspective (as if you were the face looking out from the page – "down, right, up, left..."). It’s harder, isn't it! You have increased the difficulty by adding a second mental challenge (adjusting for the change in perspective). Don't worry though...your brain can adapt and grow!
3. Next, call out the color of each without error in 30 seconds. Get that time down to 15 seconds without error. Not too tough unless you are color blind! (but now comes the fun...)
4. This time, begin doing exercise 1 (above) but point your finger in the opposite direction each time ("down [point up], left [point right], up [point down]..."). You have added an element that requires divided attention. Once mastered, increase the difficulty by switching (point the direction the eyes are looking and call out the opposite direction) only when you come to a green face. Try substituting different colors. Keep track of your time and stay with it until each exercise flows quickly and smoothly. You will find yourself not only doing the familiar ones easier, but mastering each new variation faster as well. This is because your brain is growing new connections to handle the challenges! |
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