The Joy of a Healthy Brain - April

Remember the old Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds musical "Singin' In The Rain?" Did you ever wonder why they seemed so happy on such a dreary day; and can you believe they were joyful enough to actually be dancing outside in the rain? Well, of course we know that their dancing in the rain was all "make believe;" however, the whole idea of what they were doing can be a reminder to us that we can decide what attitude we will bring to any situation. 

The month of April is usually associated with many days of dark clouds and lots of rain. Sometimes, this type of weather can put a "damper" on our moods. On the other hand, we can choose to see these cloudy/rainy days as opportunities to "stretch our brains" and increase its health. On these rainy April days, we can look for new ways to enjoy the weather-indoors or outside of our homes.

Boosting our brain reserves can be as easy as doing the following:

• Watch one of your favorite old movies -maybe Casablanca, or The Sound of Music-- then view one of your favorite new movies. Next, list what you like and dislike about each.
• Look on the computer for the words to one of the songs from your favorite movie, and then memorize the song.
• Spend a day visiting and having lunch at a local art museum; enjoying this experience with a friend would be even better.
• Begin a small indoor herb garden.
• Turn on some "oldies" dance music and dance for thirty minutes; it's a fun way to get your daily exercise and to boost the blood-flow to the brain (You don't have to have a partner to dance. You can dance alone; it's fun). If you want to dance with others, go to a community center and join a line-dancing class. They're fun and very inexpensive.

April does not have to be a dreary month of rainy gloom. Remember, we have the ability to decide what attitude we choose to bring to any situation. So, choose joy and positive thinking every time; look for that rainbow after the rain.  Your brain could be healthier for it.

Finally, if you don't learn the words to any other song this month,  just learn a few from the "Singin' In The Rain" movie:

"Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

Just singin',

Singin' in the rain"

Choosing to  "embrace sunshine"-even when it's raining outside-promotes a positive attitude and a healthy brain !