Why You Should Write With Your Non-Dominant Hand For Brain Health

"I learn a new word every day," says Willeumier. (She uses the Merriam-Webster app.) "And then I practice writing it with my non-dominant hand." It is a fun exercise to train your mind and get you out of your comfort zone – which Willeumier finds great for staying sharp.

"When you start writing with your nondominant hand, you will start drinking with your nondominant hand and brushing your teeth with your nondominant hand," she notes. These little changes don't seem like much, but it's a sign that your brain is making new connections instead of staying complacent. "New learning is about getting out of your comfort zone. We like to call it stretching your neurons," she adds.

Granted, there is still a lot to learn about the subject, but there is some research showing the learning benefits of writing with your non-dominant hand: In one study, right-handed participants got down to drawing with their left hand and saw significant improvements in their abilities after less than 200 minutes of exercise, demonstrating the brain's ability to strengthen new connections with the body. The relationship between learning and brain health is also well documented. In fact, research has found that learning new skills can improve memory function in older adulthood.

So perhaps take Willeumier's recommendation: "Learn a new word today, practice writing with your non-dominant hand and teach it to your friend." Pretty easy task on behalf of a healthy brain, right?