Brain Aerobics

If you want your brain — and your memory — to work better, you have to exercise it. Stretch it in new ways. At least that’s the word from neurobiologists at Duke University who say you need to cross-train your brain to keep it limber enough to remember names, master new skills, and stay creative. Here’s a sample of things you can do to keep your brain fresh. Call it Brain Aerobics.

• When you get ready in the morning (you know the drill — shower, shave, eat breakfast), use your non-dominant hand.

• Find things like the shower faucet, the soap, your car keys, and the ignition with your eyes closed.

• Learn the Braille numbers for some floors in your office building.

• When you travel, avoid American-style hotels and eateries. Go local and try what’s new and different.