Braingle's Mentalrobics

Vocabulary : Word of the Day : Inculcate

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

in-cul-cate

verb :: To teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions; to urge on the mind.

"Lastly, I have endeavoured strongly to inculcate, that virtue and innocence can scarce ever be injured but by indiscretion; and that it is this alone which often betrays them into the snares that deceit and villainy spread for them." --Fielding, Henry

Creativity : Icebreaker: Animals

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Icebreakers are little exercises that help relax tension and loosen up a formal atmosphere in a meeting where you want to have creative ideas and group participation.

Here is an icebreaker that will test the group's creativity:

Everyone needs to stand up. Now, going around the group, each person must say the name of an animal that starts with the next letter of the alphabet (Ant, Bear, Cat, etc). When you reach the end of the alphabet, start again at the beginning, using all new animals. If someone can't think of an animal, or repeats an animal, then they are out and must sit down. Keep going around the circle until only one person is left.

You may choose to award a small prize. You may also vary this exercise by picking things other than animals (flowers, foods, movies, names, etc).

Memory : Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

There are many nutritional supplements that claim to provide benefits to the mind and body. Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba are two of the more popular supplements.

Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that comes from the root of the ginseng plant. It has been used in China, Japan, and Korea for centuries and has been shown to improve memory and mental performance, especially if taken in combination with ginkgo biloba. Additionally, ginseng may help increase the body's resistance to stress.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an extract taken from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. Many studies have shown it to have beneficial effects. Its most important benefit is that it increases blood flow to the brain, which improves short and long-term memory as well as reaction time and mental clarity. In addition, ginkgo biloba may help regulate neurotransmitters and oxygen levels in the brain. Ginkgo can be found in pill form and is sometimes used as an ingredient in energy drinks. Some studies also suggest that ginkgo biloba can somewhat benefit people with Alzheimer's disease.

If you have blood circulation problems or are taking anti-coagulants such as aspirin, you should probably stay away from ginkgo. People taking anti-depressant drugs known as MAOIs and pregnant women should also stay away from ginkgo biloba.