The Other 20% - And Now For Something Completely Different...

[Mitra]

When we are young, our brains must naturally confront new challenges regularly, and young brains, like young bodies, are supple, agile and quick. As we age and the routine of adult life settles around us, most of us devote our mental energies less and less to the new and unfamiliar and more and more to the work we engage in day to day (which, no matter what the endeavour, with time becomes monotonous and unchallenging). While we may become more and more proficient in our chosen field, with age, thinking oustide our "area" becomes increasingly more difficult. Sloth then comes into play, as we unconsciously opt not to put forth the effort that such thinking now requires.

from The Protein Power Lifeplan

Over the summer months, why not break out of your usual mould and try something different? Try anything that appeals - a day's workshop in something new, a new craft, reading a book that's not your usual type, having a go at speaking a few phrases of a foreign language while you're on holiday, a new kind of exercise, try a class of something different, play ball on the beach, go for a walk in the park, fly a kite, spend your lunch break walking, do some aerobics if you only ever do resistance, or vice versa, read fiction if you don't usually, cook something new if you don't usually, go to an art show or concert, listen to a new type of music - whatever you fancy. Big or small, just try something new.

As well as the benefits of keeping your brain young and active, I find that doing something new is a great confidence-booster. I can get so settled in my normal routine that I'm nervous and defensive if I have to go outside it. Trying new things regularly helps me to feel more confident and flexible.

I'm pretty much a creature of habit, someone who feels safe in my normal routines, so this isn't something that comes naturally to me, but I'm going to try to do something new each week until the end of August - about ten weeks.

Anybody prepared to join me?

[Shadow]

Great post, Mitra :D! Yes, I will join you! I'm not comfortable stepping too far outside my "box" but can branch out some.

This week, while I'm not getting it posted due to my dislike of science and technical terms :p , I have done a lot of research on saturated fats and their supposed influence on VAT and general weight gain. Now, I have come to the conclusion that the study was flawed and while I am comfortable with my findings, I am not comfortable trying to preach to the choir :lol:. But suffice it to say, I have learned tons and even had a side trek into a totally unrelated field (progesterone cream) :rolleyes:.

However, I have seriously been thinking of reading a history book. Normally I stick to mysteries - but I do have an interest in some points in history and I think it's time I branch out and read something different for a change. Now, I don't have any historical books at hand - but my very next book order will include a book on either Elizabeth I or Catherine the Great.

In the meantime... I think I'll google some topics and get started right away. I did recently subscribe to daily news from the History Channel so at least I'm getting a little bit of it underway already.

Thanks, Mitra, for a great challenge :D!

[cmcole]

Well, perhaps this is something that might count - I've decided to create a Mah Jongg layout and submit it to the creator. I am a registered owner (www.kyodai.com (http://www.kyodai.com)) and have the "right" to upload additional layouts, backgrounds, tilesets, etc. to the game.

So, my "new" thing is to try my hand at a little programming (albeit built-in as opposed to requiring lines of coding) and let my imagination run free.

Does that count?

Would it also count if I got on my bike again, after not riding for a few years? I haven't decided on that one, yet; just wondering.

[Mitra]

That sounds interesting!

One of the things I'll do at some point in the summer is to take my lute along and give a talk & demo for my church's fellowship group - I don't normally attend the group, though I know most of the people there. I'm perfectly happy with the talking bit, but I've never played in "public," so that will definitely take me outside my comfort zone! Another thing I'd like to do is to visit a local museum - about 200 yards from my house is a museum of East Asian Art. We've lived here for more than ten years, and I've never been in the museum. I'm not sure what else I'll do - reading anything and everything is pretty much normal behaviour for me, so I don't think I could count that unless it was something like poetry, which I rarely read. Anything that involves fresh air, physical movement, or going outside would probably count as pushing my boundaries.

[Mitra]

Cmcole, I'm not planning on setting hard and fast rules for this ;). Anything that you feel is taking you out of your normal tracks would count - and getting back to something you used to love but haven't done for ages would be great. I daren't look at the mah jong site, or I won't do anything because I'll be on the computer playing games!

[Shadow]

Anything that involves fresh air, physical movement, or going outside would probably count as pushing my boundaries.
Hmm - so are you saying you're not ready to consider an outdoor aerobic exercise program :p :lol:?

The museum sounds interesting! I'm not into art in general, but how bad can one trip through be ;)? We have a museum here in town I have only been to once or twice. It is huge and takes a couple of days to go through if you really want to take time and observe what they have. Now, if it were on monarchs and their periods of reign, I'd be more inclined to go than knowing it's about the "wild west", guns, western art and so forth :rolleyes:.

I know you'll do just great playing in public :). But I can definitely see having butterflies in your stomach over it!

[Shadow]

So, my "new" thing is to try my hand at a little programming (albeit built-in as opposed to requiring lines of coding) and let my imagination run free.

Does that count?
Well, from someone with no ability to do that sort of thing - I think it definitely counts :lol:!

Would it also count if I got on my bike again, after not riding for a few years?
Absolutely - and you'd even get "extra credit" for getting in some exercise at the same time :p!

[Mitra]

Hmm - so are you saying you're not ready to consider an outdoor aerobic exercise program :p :lol:?

:lol: It wouldn't be my first choice! You might be surprised to hear that I once went on a cycling holiday :eek: . About 20 years ago. When I lived in more rural places, I've always enjoyed walking, but it's just not the same in the city, and I'm really not into the palaver of getting the car out to go for a walk, so I walk when I'm going somewhere (it's been about 3 months since our car was used :rolleyes: ) but rarely just for the sake of walking.

[Shadow]

:lol: It wouldn't be my first choice!
Well, mine neither if the truth be told :p. And you most certainly know that if I did decide to do it - it would not be running or jogging I opted for!

You might be surprised to hear that I once went on a cycling holiday
Oh my - you brave soul, you!!!

When I lived in more rural places, I've always enjoyed walking, but it's just not the same in the city,
I totally agree :(!

and I'm really not into the palaver of getting the car out to go for a walk,
It does seem inane to have to do that so I'm with you on that, too!

so I walk when I'm going somewhere (it's been about 3 months since our car was used :rolleyes: ) but rarely just for the sake of walking.
Same here. It's just not enjoyable when there's nothing to look at but sidewalks and traffic :rolleyes:....

[banshee]

Hmmm... I think I've already started this with my fitness club membership! I tried yoga last Sunday. I think I would enjoy yoga, but I didn't enjoy the class simply because I couldn't put any weight on my hands without pain. :rolleyes: I'm going to try it again after my hands heal up and see if I enjoy it more.

I also did an aerobic/strength lower body class, and I'm planning on trying a step class, a kickboxing class, and maybe a group cycling class. After my doctor's appt, I'm hoping to get back into my core exercises and try one of the Core workout classes. I've never done exercise classes other than the tai chi club I was part of for a while, so just going to classes instead of doing my own workouts is a new thing, and I've never done yoga or kickboxing before. I enjoy biking, but have never done a cycling class. I tried out an elliptical trainer at the club, and I think I'm going to try and use it for my cardiovascular workouts. So lots of new things to try this summer.

That's all physical. I'd like to try something new mentally as well, but that's going to take some thought. I have gotten more challenging with my sudoku games - expanding the gameboards to 16 numbers in 4x4 grids - but that's not really "new". Maybe I'll do some non-fiction reading, specifically biographies. I used to love reading biographies of people we would study in class, but except for my scientific/health/nutritional reading, I don't think I've read anything non-fiction since college.

[cmcole]

I did three layouts for the game and submitted them. I cannot give you the link because you have to be a registered owner to post in the forum. I think the same applies to the "private" downloads section, where they would be located.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=389689&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=

Just for interest, have you seen the picture of this rainbow? It is fascinating. I also put it on that site, to be possibly used as a background/wallpaper.

I've been trying to dig out some pictures and add to my web page (the second one - a collection of photos). I don't have very many pictures of myself to add to the first page.

[LisaS]

cool rainbow - I saw something like it driving across Utah (or Colorado) a few years back - we were stopped at a rest stop - but by the time I got to my camera the effect was gone. Glad to know what it was (or at least what it was similar too)

[Mitra]

I made my first break in my routine. This morning I went out for an hour at about 7 o'clock, and walked around the park with my camera. It was brilliantly sunny, but at that hour there was plenty of shade, and it was pleasantly cool with a slight breeze. I just wandered around, enjoying the greenery and the weather, taking a few photos, and stuffing my pockets with dandelion leaves (maybe my real challenge should be to do something utterly unrelated to food for an hour!).

I'm counting that as my first activity.

[Shadow]

(maybe my real challenge should be to do something utterly unrelated to food for an hour!)
:lol:!!!! Gosh, I haven't had dandelion greens since I was young! What a great way to break out of your mold, Mitra! It sounds like an awesome walk with great weather - and a definite change of pace for you :thumbsup:!

[Mitra]

:lol:!!!! Gosh, I haven't had dandelion greens since I was young!

I thought you were still young? Because, if you're old, then I must be, too :( .

[Shadow]

Well... let's put it this way... I've been 27 for almost 19 years now :rolleyes: :lol:.

However, I'm still young at heart - and that's what counts, right ;)?

[Mitra]

I think I might have lost a week here :o . I haven't been to the East Asian museum yet, but it's still in my plans (it's been there for several years, so that's not really saying much).

My latest venture into new territory is that I've bought a skipping rope. I remembered that it used to be fun when I was 10 or so, and wondered if it would be an acceptable way to get in a bit of cardio. We have a paved area just outside the back door that would be suitable, so I'll give it a go in the morning :D. If I can find a few things that work, and do them in rotation, so they don't get too boring, there's just a chance it might take :rolleyes: . Those who've observed my exercise ventures over recent years will know how much of a step outside my comfort zone any sort of cardio is!

[realruth]

Mitra although I like skipping , it can get your heart rate up really fast.
I cannot skip without the terrible leakage and I've tried everything! pelvic exercises included but when I had it checked out at the hospital they just said oh well you have a weak wall from birthing troubles and it's only cosmetic so we won't operate.

So even with a pad it can be embarrassing !

Good luck!

[Mitra]

I tried it very briefly last night. I didn't notice leakage problems (I've never had any children, so if birthing troubles are the issue, it may not arise) but definitely noticed the rapidly raised heart rate! I'm sure it wasn't like that last time I did it :lol:. I'll need to build up pretty gradually, but (for the 30s or so that I did in the middle of the living room) it was fun. I'll see how it goes.

[Shadow]

Mitra - Awesome :D!!!! I am so proud of you for not only working on that cardio, but for venturing outdoors to do it :thumbsup:! Starting small is the best way to go :). Too much too soon is going to be too difficult and discouraging - not to mention a huge shocks to the old joints ;). How did the lute playing go?

Let's see... time has gotten away from me yet again :eek:. However, I did order a book on Elizabeth I and one on exercising as we age and getting around injuries & so forth. Not quite what I had in mind but the book came highly recommended and with my joint problems, I figured it couldn't hurt :p. But I just ordered them yesterday so it will be next month before I get to them :cool:...

[cmcole]

I've been reading information about women's bodybuilding and/or power lifting. Not sure how seriously I will pursue it, but it's food for thought.

[Mitra]

Does having a couple of teenage boys in the house count? My nephew and his friend are arriving sometime in the next hour or so for a few days. I'm just enjoying a few quiet moments before they get here ;). Actually, they're both really nice, but there'll be a lot more energy around here than we're used to :lol:.

[lowcarbgirl]

I'm game on trying new things to keep the brain going :) and growing :cool:

Can I count the fact that I had to handle one of my tenants nearly bleeding to death this morning :crybaby: as my thing for this week? It was challenging to say the least (being an arterial bleed).

Hugs,
Willow

[Mitra]

:eek: How lucky for them to have you there to deal with it!

[Shadow]

Does having a couple of teenage boys in the house count? My nephew and his friend are arriving sometime in the next hour or so for a few days. I'm just enjoying a few quiet moments before they get here ;). Actually, they're both really nice, but there'll be a lot more energy around here than we're used to :lol:.
Ah yes, I would definitely say that counts as a change :lol:!!!

[Shadow]

Well, we've entered another month, but I assume we're going to keep going ;). This past weekend I read a book on strength training along with the book I mentioned above on dealing with injuries when exercising. I just started my book on Elizabeth I yesterday - so I am plugging right along with my personal challenge :).

[Mitra]

I was thinking about this one this morning. The only slightly different thing I've done this week is having steak tartare (raw fillet steak with raw egg yolk) for dinner. But as I'm a fairly adventurous eater, I'll try that sort of thing any chance I get. I'll have to see what I can come up with in the next couple of days :D.

By the way, I've used the skipping rope a few times (not for very long at a stretch), but only in the living room - I haven't ventured out into the fresh air yet!

[Shadow]

Way to go, Mitra :D! Besides, it's probably best that you are doing it in short spurts indoors to begin with. First of all, too much too soon is never good ;) and secondly, that will help your lower leg muscles build up and get used to the impact before hitting the pavement. It would be awfully hard on the shins to just jump right into it (pardon the pun) outside :).

[Gaelen]

I've got one, I've got one...
found out through the grapevine that a yoga center that's relatively nearby has one-on-one sessions for patients dealing with issues from surgical recovery. Since the incisional hernia on my right flared up mid-May, I've been told to keep my exercise to walking and the occasional sets of stairs or a few minutes on my stair machine. But still no lifting, bending, coughing, etc. lest the hernia become acute. I didn't tell them about the deep breathing, and I can do some Pilates on the ball or mat work, if I'm careful--but if there's a yoga instructor who specializes in working with patients in surgical recovery, I figure I at least owe it to myself to check her out. ;)

It's hard to get a session in, maybe because of yesterday's holiday, but I can wait...

[cmcole]

Good for you, Gaelen. You always seem to find the interesting "freebies" (or cheapies).

[Shadow]

Gaelen - That is awesome :D :thumbsup:!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!

[Mitra]

Do tell us how it goes. I've been having one-to-one yoga lessons for a long time now - I think I started in 1990 (gulp, where did all that time go!?!?). It's much better than trying to fit into a group if you have specific individual goals or limitations. And having a short practice that you can do at home for a few minutes each day is more effective than a couple of hours once a week in a class - particularly for anything therapeutic.

[Gaelen]

I'm hoping it will be good...but there are no open appointments for at least three weeks. I'm on a 'first cancellation' list. I'm a little hesitant to go to one of the open classes without meeting with the instructor who specializes in surgical recovery first...I know a bit about yoga positions, but probably just enough to hurt myself. ;)

[Mitra]

In an open group, the best you could expect would be that the teacher would have the time and experience to tell you what you shouldn't be doing to avoid making things worse. If you're lucky with the one-to-one, they might be able to suggest things that will help your recovery. Maybe you'll get a cancellation. I had one of those for my root canal - a "can you come at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning" phone call.