Episode 1: Everyday Mind Fitness

We spend a lot of time talking about taking care of our bodies as we age.

But what about our brain?

In today’s episode of Being Mary, we’re talking about everyday mind fitness — simple things you can do to keep your brain active and engaged.

Not complicated things.

Just small shifts like:

• puzzles
 • changing routines
 • social connection
 • movement
 • curiosity

Because if we’re doing squats for our knees…

we can do a few mental squats too.

🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

This is Being Mary… and the best chapters are still ahead.

Transcript

“Hi… I’m Mary. And this is Being Mary — where we talk about growing older, staying curious, and living fully in the chapter we’re in.”

Today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately… and honestly, it’s one of those topics that feels both practical and personal.

Because we spend a lot of time talking about taking care of our bodies as we age, right?

We talk about our knees… our hips… our heart… our energy… our strength.

And I’m all for it.

But then I thought…

What about our brain?

Because here’s a truth for you…

Your brain is a muscle too.

And just like we strengthen our legs and our core… our brain needs reps.

It needs resistance.

It needs a little challenge.

And ladies… if we’re doing squats for our knees…

we can do a few mental squats too.

(small laugh / pause)

Now I’m not saying we need to become geniuses or start memorizing encyclopedias.

I’m just saying… I want to stay sharp.

I want to stay curious.

I want to stay present.

And I don’t know about you, but sometimes I catch myself having those little “senior moments.”

It’s like I have an idea… and by the time I walk into the next room… that idea has vanished somewhere.

And yes, we laugh… but it also makes you think.

So today I want to share some simple, everyday things we can do to keep our minds active.

Not overwhelming things.

Not expensive things.

Not “go buy a whole new lifestyle” things.

Just small shifts.

Small habits.

And they add up.

“Before I move on, if you’re enjoying these conversations here on Being Mary, I’d love it if you followed the podcast wherever you’re listening. That way the new episodes just show up for you each week.” 

Mental Micro-Workouts

Okay, first one.

I call these mental micro-workouts.

Because this is not about doing one big thing once in a while.

It’s about giving your brain little challenges throughout your normal day.

Like puzzles.

Wordle… Connections… Sudoku… crosswords… anything like that.

Even ten minutes helps.

And listen… I know some people love puzzles.

And some people are thinking,

“Mary… I would rather fold laundry than do Sudoku.”

And that’s fair.

So here’s the trick…

It doesn’t have to be puzzles.

It can be something as simple as changing your routine a tiny bit.

Sit in a different chair at the table.

It may not seem like much, but try it.

Take a new route when you drive somewhere.

I do this sometimes… not even on purpose.

Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand.

Have you ever tried that?

It feels ridiculous.

It feels like your brain is saying,

“Excuse me? We don’t do that.”

And that’s kind of the point.

Because when you do something unfamiliar, your brain has to wake up.

It has to pay attention.

It has to build new pathways.

Even reading for ten minutes a day helps.

A book. An article. A magazine. Anything.

If you like to cook… try a new recipe.

Listen to a genre of music you don’t normally choose.

Be adventurous.

Learn one new word each day… and actually try to use it in a sentence.

Even if you use it wrong the first time.

(laugh)

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about staying flexible.

Social Connection

Now here’s a big one.

And I really believe this one in my bones.

Your brain loves people.

One of the strongest protectors against cognitive decline is staying socially engaged.

And I know…

for some of us that’s easy.

And for some of us… especially in winter… or after a loss… or when we’re tired…

we start to pull back.

We get comfortable in our own little bubble.

But isolation isn’t neutral.

It affects us.

So let me say this gently.

Even a five-minute conversation can boost your brain more than a crossword puzzle.

So if you can…

Plan a coffee date.

Volunteer.

Join a club or a class.

Or simply call a friend instead of texting.

And if you’re thinking…

“But Mary, I don’t want to bother anyone.”

Please hear me.

Most people are craving connection too.

Even me.

I love getting an invitation to meet for coffee and conversation.

Sometimes being the one who reaches out…

is actually a gift.

Movement That Builds the Brain

Now you know I love talking about movement.

Because it changes everything.

But here’s what I’ve learned…

Some movement doesn’t just strengthen your body.

It strengthens your brain too.

For example…

Dance.

Even simple choreography means your brain has to remember steps, timing, and sequence.

That’s brain gold.

Yoga.

Balance and focus mean your brain is working while your body is working.

And yes… I’m going to say it.

Pickleball.

Because pickleball isn’t just exercise.

It’s strategy.

It’s quick decision-making.

It’s tracking the ball.

It’s remembering who’s serving.

(big smile)

It’s angles.

It’s reflex.

And it’s social.

So honestly… it’s like a cognitive jackpot.

And I love that.

Because it doesn’t feel like brain work.

It feels like play.

And I think that’s important.

Because keeping our brain active doesn’t have to be complicated.

It can be simple things.

A puzzle.

A new route home.

A conversation with a friend.

A game of pickleball.

Ten minutes with a book.

Little challenges that keep our minds engaged with life.

Next week we’re going to take this conversation one step further.

Because one of the most powerful ways to protect our brain…

is to keep learning.

Not necessarily going back to school…

but staying curious about the world.

And I have some fun ideas to share with you.

Until then, try one small mental squat this week.

Just one.

Because it all adds up.

And as always, thank you for spending time with me today.

Pause.

“This is Being Mary… and the best chapters are still ahead.”