Anita Ojeda 
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How is YOUR brain holding out? Just because we get older doesn’t mean we have to get dumber. This free checklist will help you form a plan.
Is Your Brain Holding Out Over the Summer?
“The computer program thinks you should gain one RIT point between now and next September,” I explained to a student. “What goal would you like to set for yourself for the MAP test in September?”
“I think I can go up three or four points,” the student assured me.
“Do you plan on reading books all summer and playing Free Rice?”
The look of horror on his face said it all.
“Remember, the brain is a muscle; if you don’t use it, you lose it,” I said. “If you don’t plan on reading and playing educational games this summer, why don’t you go with the computer’s suggestion for growth.”
“You mean I’ll get dumber over the summer?”
“First, you’re not dumb, so you can’t ‘get dumber.’ But yes, you can lose learning over the summer because you’re not practicing what you learned. Teachers call it the ‘summer slide.'”
“And if I read books, it won’t happen?”
“Not as much,” I assured him. “If you want to keep your brain holding out over the next two months, you’ll need to do a little reading and math each day.”
“Imma not promising anything,” he told me, “but I might pick up a book.”
I smiled and wrote his goal for next fall on my spreadsheet. Maybe he would; maybe he wouldn’t. I’ve discovered the same thing happens to adults when they quit actively learning.
Today’s podcast will help you identify four ways to create a life-long learning habit.
Show Notes
Some studies have also shown that learning new skills (especially those involving speed and processing) can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Reviewing helps us move information from our short-term memory to our long-term memory, according to an article on Mind Tools.
The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature
Set a goal for the year to create something—and then use the handy habit-tracking sheet to help make your goal a reality.G
Get your FREE academic and artistic self-care checklist here.
A person will never get too old to learn something new. #lifelonglearner #selfcarechecklist Click To Tweet
Come Back Next Week!
Next week I’ll share five self-care hacks for improving your physical self-care routine, along with another FREE checklist!
Inspire Me Monday Link-Up
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For me, Vitamin B100 and D3, plus being engaged keeps my brain more focused. I remember going to the library once a week during the summers (when they were 3 months long) and bringing home a stack of books. I have a stack for this summer already!
Hi Anita,
Loved the podcast today with LARC. I love learning!
I was wondering if Inspire Me Monday is on today?
Blessings, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…The Essential ingredient to any Relationship
I better listen to this. I sometimes worry my brain is not at peak performance!
Jerralea Winn Miller recently posted…Soon is closer than it used to be …
This looks like a great tool for making sure we are keeping our brains active. I’ve heard a lot about how important that is in reducing our risk of dementia.
Definitely important to keep reading and learning all year. I have my kiddo do summer workbooks that bridge the gap between elementary grades.
I love your encouragement and wisdom here Anita. It is so important to keep learning. I love reading and learning.
Anita, I love learning, my husband calls me a perpetual student because I am always seeking to improve my skills and knowledge! My Mom, who recently passed away at age 85 had such a sharp mind, and she always told me to try and learn one small thing every day!
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Hi Anita,
I’m a teacher and a life-long learner. I adore learning new things! Thanks for these great tips.
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