This exercise will demonstrate how important it is to draw your ideas, as opposed to simply writing them down.

Get out a piece of paper and draw a picture of a shoe. Make sure to draw in all the details such as the logo, laces, treads, etc.

Now, write a paragraph describing in detail every piece of your picture. Imagine that you are having a telephone conversation with an alien who has no idea what a shoe is. You might start with something like this, "This item is about 10 inches by 3 inches by 4 inches. The bottom is made of rubber and is in the shape of a..."

Which part of this exercise was easier? You probably found that it was very difficult to describe certain shapes or aspects that were easy to draw. Do you think the drawing or the text would more quickly convey the idea of a shoe to an alien?

pul-chri-tude

noun :: Great physical beauty.

"The singer didn't have a good voice, and was only famouse because of her pulchritude."

Without constant stimulation from new experiences the brain's strength and agility can decline over time. One way to break your routine is by taking a random roadtrip in your car.

Normally, when you are driving from point A to point B, you brain goes on autopilot. A simple way to introduce novelty is to take a different route to your destination. Take some streets that you've never driven down before.

Another fun way to change things up is to set out on a trip, but have no destination in mind. Simply turn whenever you feel like turning and go wherever your fancy takes you. This can be a fun family experience if you let each person pick the directions for a period of time.

Another way to drive somewhere new is to get out a map, close your eyes, and put your finger down someplace. Now drive there and see what it's like. These new experiences are a great way to stimulate the mind.