April brought us a few showers and a plethora of learning opportunities. Strive to Thrive University had its full array of courses taught this past month, anything from budgeting to resume writing, communication to healthy eating/active living, basic computer skills to interview coaching. The classes went off without a hitch and many of our clients learned new skills and information that they were not aware of before. The Center saw the end of this year’s Vita tax program. We would like to thank everyone involved and were very happy to help file over 200 tax returns that brought over 200,000 dollars to our community and to those in need.
Looking forward to this next month, flowers are blooming and so are students. Students will be ending school this month and UFRC wants to help with your summer! On average 2 months of learning is lost over summer break. This means that when kids go back to school they are already behind and have to play catch up for the first half of the year. To help kids in our community stay active and not lose the knowledge they have gained, here are some activities that will not only be fun but be engaging.
10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Active over the summer
1. Make a summer bucket list: Things you want to do, things you wish you could do, anything! You might want to go to the beach or eat at a famous restaurant, however include things such as learning a new language or visiting a museum, goals that also stimulate you intellectually.
2. Read a book (or two, or three or ten): By reading you are keeping your mind active by having to think about complex vocabulary, constantly looking at words, and making your mind think and make connections
3. Be ACTIVE: make it a point not to sit around in front of your computer or the TV all day, and go outside! Observe the world, clear your mind, get that adrenaline pumping to see your mind fresh and sharp!
4. Solve some PUZZLES: Rubik’s cubes, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles all count! Do one every day and your mind is sure to be active!
5. Take a class! You go to class during the year, so why not during the summer? The great thing is that there are so many different classes you can take: wine making, guitar lessons, Calculus, Investing your money, anything goes!
6. Get a job or an internship! It gives you something concrete to do that will make you think while having fun at the same time. It’s a direct application of information and can keep you on your toes and thinking all summer!
7. Create art! While art is not necessarily an academic subject, it causes you to think. Which colors go well together? Where should I place this object? Art projects allow you to exercise your motor skills and CREATE, which is not only relaxing, but very fulfilling.
8. WRITE something. You don’t have to write a novel. If you want, keep a journal and write a few words every day. Whenever you see or do something funny write it down. That way you are keeping your mind active and also keeping a log that you can use to remember what you did over the summer!
9. Cut down on computer and cell phone usage, though you do not have to stop using them. We live in a world where people are connected through Facebook, Twitter, and the Internet in general and sometimes it’s nice to meet people and do things face to face.
10. TRAVEL: visit a country you’ve never gone to before. Interact with locals, eat new food, visit monuments and museums, and go on boat rides. Learning about a new culture and place is a great way to keep your mind active. Of course you can still relax on the beach or have a picnic in the park, that’s all part of the experience.
Source: https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2011/06/keep-brain-active-summer/
