The really amazing thing about our brains is that it does not matter how young or old you are, your brain can continue to grow throughout your life. In this growth process, new cells called neurons and branches between them called dendrites develop each and every time that you try a new activity.

“Whenever you read a book or have a conversation, the experience causes physical changes in your brain,” says science writer George Johnson, author of In the Palaces of Memory. “It's a little frightening to think that every time you walk away from an encounter, your brain has been altered, sometimes permanently.”

When we participate in the same routines day-after-day like traveling the same way to work, frequenting the same restaurants and shopping at all the familiar places we, including our brains are on auto-pilot. Our brain does not have the opportunity to grow in those mundane tasks.

Astonishing research indicates the inspiring and measurable affects of neural pathways lighting up, then began to form in the human brain through MRI technology when we're learning something new.

There are many ways that we can turn on this great power in our day-to-day lives by participating in an activity called Neurobic Exercise. By putting a twist on those everyday things, we can boost our brain power and become smarter.

Here is a list of simple things you can do starting right now to help you in your quest for more brain power:

• Try brushing your hair or teeth with the opposite hand.
• Travel an alternate route to and from work, or take a different mode of transportation.
• Practice writing with the opposite hand.
• If you are used to doing crossword puzzles, switch to Suduko.
  
• Get dressed or shower in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Wear your watch or a bracelet on the opposite side.
• Hang a painting or photograph upside down.
• Prepare a dish that you've never cooked before and shop for the list of ingredients at a different grocery store.
• Watch television with no sound.  Make up the dialog in your mind or play a game between you and someone else imagining what they may be saying.
  
• Rearrange your desktop at work, or your furniture at home.

If you do even a few of these things in a single day, you'll be amazed at how all this new-found knowledge enriches your life and makes you smarter in the process.