While most major performance venues remain closed, the generous spirit of many institutions to share recordings of past presentations so that we can enjoy at home is overwhelming. Ballet is among many arts that can soothe the mind and spirit. The New York City Ballet is sharing recordings of past performances for everyone to enjoy – anytime, anywhere. Click here to watch. As they say, “everything is beautiful at the ballet!” (Chorus Line)

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It’s spring! Although enjoying the outdoors may be more difficult in some areas at this time, we can allow ourselves visions of spring to boost our spirits and keep us thinking. Research shows that visualization exercises like the one below are experienced by our brain in ways similar to the actual, live event. So why not bring a bit of spring to mind?

Set the timer for three minutes. Then settle back, close your eyes, and imagine as many images of spring as you can think of, including spring flowers, bird’s nests, etc. Do you notice a shift in your outlook?

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Research shows that folks who regularly engage intellectually have a lower risk for dementia. Enjoying a creative performance such as a play or concert is a wonderful way to challenge your mind! Such activities can also make us feel calmer and more connected to others participating with us, even if we are not in the same room or even experiencing the event at the same time. Take advantage this week of the wonderful free performances available on TV or over the internet. Besides offering an enjoyable way to fill the time, listening to a jazz performance or watching a play such as this wonderful performance of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” from New York’s renowned Public Theatre can give a boost for your brain health.

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Staying physically active is good for our body, our mind and our spirit. However, it can be hard to find new, interesting ways to keep moving when we are confined to home. Try this fun exercise that changes each time you do it! This sheet gives you something to do for each letter of the alphabet. Determine your workout by choosing a word and then doing the activity associated with each of the letters of that word, in order. Be sure you can safely perform each activity, and to skip the ones that you are unable to do (just move on to the next one!). Try starting by working out to your first name!

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It seems that some days move quickly, while others just creep along. No matter how your day is going, taking a bit of time to think “out of the box” is a good way to foster calm, focus and sharp thinking. Spend 10 minutes today channeling your inner artist. Doodle your own little masterpiece, build a freeform structure with paper clips, or create a butter carving. Enjoy the process, even if the result is a work in progress! Try “small art” often as a way to de-stress and boost creative thinking.

Artwork ©️Jonah Jablons 2020

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Absorbing ourselves in learning something new can be a wonderful way to tune down our distress and promote calm. Now is a wonderful time to dust off a book you’ve meant to read, or begin on a craft or home project you’ve always had in mind but never found time for. Or try listening to a recorded class or lecture, such as those available now for free from the New York Historical Society. Whatever you choose to learn, it is sure to stretch your mind!

https://www.nyhistory.org/programs/audio-video

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Absorbing ourselves in learning something new can be a wonderful way to tune down our distress and promote calm. Now is a wonderful time to dust off a book you’ve meant to read, or begin on a craft or home project you’ve always had in mind but never found time for. Or try listening to a recorded class or lecture, such as those available now for free from the New York Historical Society. Whatever you choose to learn, it is sure to stretch your mind!

https://www.nyhistory.org/programs/audio-video

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As the days extend to weeks and the weeks to months, the practice of social distancing can begin to wear on us, no matter how well we are coping. This is especially true for those of us taking care of others, either on the front lines of care (and our deepest gratitude if that is you) or for those at home, caring for others.

Today’s workout is a reminder to take care of yourself – to find your own emotional “refill” – each day, before you go out to do that for others. Perhaps your “refill” is some quiet time over coffee watching the sun rise, a few minutes of lively dance time to the radio, or a nightly video chat with dear friends. Whatever it is, make sure you do it, and give yourself that extra bit of care you need and deserve to stay calm and strong each day.

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Here’s a fun workout from our TBH Toolbox365 program that’s a real fan favorite – And a great way to build focus, processing speed and nimbleness. Set a timer for two minutes and see how many different sports you can name.

Like this workout? Check out the full program, with 100 repeatable workouts to train your brain, anytime, anywhere! tbhtoolbox365.com

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Connecting to our breath can be an accessible, immediate way to regain focus and calm over the course of our day.

Circle breathing is a simple tool you can use anytime, anywhere. Try a few minutes of this routine when you need to regroup and destress..

• Sit comfortably, with your legs and arms relaxed.
• Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths.
• Now imagine creating a large circle with your breath.
• As you breath in slowly and gently, “draw” in your mind’s eye one half of a circle up from the bottom of your belly to the top of your head.
• Hold your breath gently at the “top” of the circle, just as long as you are comfortable.
• Exhale slowly and gently, “drawing” the second half of the circle down from the top of your head back to the bottom of your belly.
• Continue breathing deeply, “drawing” large, round circles with your breath.

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