New Year’s Resolutions!

Well 2011 has gone by, and now we have a whole fresh 2012 ahead of us! This is the time of year when we all make New Year’s resolutions to get healthier and fit. I think that it’s time that we include some brain fitness! Let’s face it; no one is getting any younger! There are many programs out there promising improved brain fitness and memory, but which one should we use? IM or IM-Home could be a good match for you. It has the research and case studies to back it up and has been around for many years now!

Although I work with children with special needs, to become an IM Provider I was required IM training myself. And let me tell you, it was really hard work! In the beginning, my brain would feel exhausted at the end of the hour session. The first few days, I thought there was no way I would be able to complete what was needed to become an IM Provider...but, as the days went on, I was surprised that I began to see changes in myself!

Initially, I thought my brain was fit. I’m a professional working in a fast paced hospital, I read, do logic puzzles, interact with many people on a daily basis. What more could I need to do? As I went through my sessions, I began to notice that I was actually able to recall more of what I read. I would read an OT article and found myself following the topic and remembering more of the details than usual. I didn’t have to go back and reread sections to help myself remember. I also noticed that when I did do my logic puzzles, I was completing them more quickly and with fewer mistakes. In essence, my brain was becoming “more fit”.

So as you go into the New Year, make a conscious effort to include your brain in your workouts. Play memory games, do some logic puzzles or crossword puzzles, join a reading club or other discussion group. You might want to try IM at home for yourself. It is a brain-based program that will help you to reorganize your neural pathways. You would receive online one on one counseling from your IM at Home trainer who would monitor your progress and change your program to match your progress and meet your needs.

Happy New Year Everyone!