Both sides of your brain

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by Hanzo, May 8, 2015.


  1. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++

    Most people say to practice with the off hand and I agree. But I would like to suggest taking it a step further. Exercising both sides of your brain can help you to be more ambidextrous, IMHO.

    When I teach my qigong and taiji, I emphasize this and work it with my students.

    Some simple things to try at home. Start small. Every notice how we have a "favored" way of doing things? Even something as simple as folding our hands or crossing our arms. We pretty much always do it the same way. I challenge you to be aware of it and change it up from time to time. It will feel funny at first, but after a while, it will feel natural and you will have to think to determine which way you are doing it.

    With the advent of issues like Alzheimer and dementia and such, I have heard of some doctors suggesting exercises to work both sides of the brain too.

    Other stuff to try, brush your teeth with a different hand at night and in the morning, eat with your off hand, etc.

    When I was in intermediate school, I believe, my first Sifu taught me a butterfly knife form. In it, there was a part where one hand made one pattern and the other made a different pattern at the same time. My first thought was, "This is so cool! It's hard to do two different things at the same time." But I remember that and think it can be useful. In Escrima, we trained using both hands as well as one handed with either hand.

    So all this rambling came about because I got up earlier than my family and let my mind wander over a quiet breakfast.

    It was leftover ribeye and prime rib, by the way. With a banana and coffee. Leftovers can make great fast and easy breakfasts.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1431113667.654413.

    I will often eat with my off hand. In this case, switching the knife and fork hand around. It's also fun to use chopsticks with the off hand. Impresses the heck out of folks if you switch successfully.

    Try it and see if it helps your off side dexterity and at the very least, it will make you more aware of your body and what you may be capable of.

    All part of preparation, right?
     
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  2. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    There are "certain things" done in the bathroom besides brushing teeth worth the practice, too. Ask anyone that has had rotator cuff surgery on the dominant side about that. (Yes, I know this.)
     
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  3. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    Yes, I bathe with either hand too. [emoji12]
     
  4. NotSoSneaky

    NotSoSneaky former supporter

    Want a real challenge ? Try writing in cursive with your "off" hand. [tongue]
     
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  5. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    True. AND upside down.
     
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  6. Airtime

    Airtime Monkey+++

    I'd give my left arm to be ambidextrous!
     
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  7. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    Funny...
     
  8. NotSoSneaky

    NotSoSneaky former supporter

    QFT !
    One of the best tricks I learned from an art teacher was to draw something upside-down. [coo]
     
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  9. techsar

    techsar Monkey+++

    I can be equally clumsy with both hands...
     
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  10. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    26 years ago, I taught myself to write and draw upside down. It really helps when explaining something to a client. Impresses the heck out of them too. Funny that after all these years, they still get a kick out of it.
     
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  11. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I tried wiping my rear end with my left hand. Let's just say, I won't be trying that again any time soon. [shtf]
     
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  12. NotSoSneaky

    NotSoSneaky former supporter

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  13. madmax

    madmax Far right. Bipolar. Veteran. Don't push me.

    I put my femur through my pelvis (motorcycle accident) and had to lean the other way for about a year. It ain't funny.
     
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  14. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    Ouch!
     
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  15. vonslob

    vonslob Monkey++

    After a nasty mt bike accident and the resulting TBI I was told to switch things up. Use my non-dominate hand to bush my teeth, wash, open cans and bottle etc. I do not know how well it worked but today I suffer no ill effects from my accident (brain wise). This is something I still do today, kinda like a game or a puzzle.
     
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  16. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    Glad you are all good, @vonslob.
     
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  17. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++

    Today's exercise was off hand shaving.
     
  18. Seawolf1090

    Seawolf1090 Retired Curmudgeonly IT Monkey Founding Member

    I also had a motorcycle accident a few years back, which made my right arm nearly useless for a couple weeks. "Bathroom duties" were a real chore with the 'wrong' hand! Getting dressed was a challenge one handed too, and I live alone - no SO to lend a hand. :oops:
    But today I am semi-ambidextrous after that experience. Eating 'wrong handed' is no problem. Writing, that is a problem. I can shoot a rifle left handed, but a pistol is more difficult. Especially the torquey .45ACP.
     
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  19. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++


    Glad you are all recovered as well.
     
  20. kellory

    kellory An unemployed Jester, is nobody's fool. Banned

    :eek:too dangerous! I hereby give up razors in case of incapacitation!! (Just to be safe)
     
    Hanzo likes this.
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