We all use tools in our work, and all of these tools need to be re-energized in some way over time. They need to be polished, sharpened, refurbished. They need new spark plugs or a tune up. Some times they even need new batteries.

We take these maintenance tasks seriously because we know that when the batteries are fully charged we get the full potential out of electrical devices and when the machinery has been maintained it lasts longer and works more economically.

Doesnt it make sense then to do some regularly scheduled maintenance on our brain - a tool far more valuable than the rest?

It happens to all of us. We get in ruts, we build routines and we develop habits, and in doing so we often dont use our brain the way we could. It is one of our most valuable and precious resources and it is time to re-energize it.

Here then are eight ways you can re-energize, re-invigorate and do some ongoing maintenance for your brain.

1. Ask Why? Our brains are wired to be curious. As we grow up and mature many of us stifle or deny our natural curiosity. Let yourself be curious! Wonder to yourself about why things are happening. Ask someone in the know. The best way to exercise our curiosity is by asking Why? Make it a new habit to ask why? at least 10 times a day. Your brain will be happier and you will be amazed at how many opportunities and solutions will show up in your life and work.

2. Laugh. Scientists tell us that laughter is good for our health; that it releases endorphins and other positively powerful chemicals into our system. We dont really need scientists to tell us that it feels good to laugh. Laughing helps us reduce stress and break old patterns too. So laughter can be like a quick-charge for our brains batteries. Laugh more, and laugh harder.

3. Remember. Get out an old photo album or high school yearbook. Your brain is a memory machine, so give it a chance to work! Spend time with your memories. Let your mind reflect on them and your mind will repay you in positive emotions and new connections from the memories to help you with your current tasks and challenges.

4. Do a puzzle. Some of us like jigsaw puzzles, some crossword puzzles, some logic puzzles - it really doesnt matter kind you choose to do. Doing puzzles in your free time is a great way to activate your brain and keep it in good working condition. Do the puzzle for fun, but do it knowing you are exercising your brain.

5. Play. Take time to play. Make time to play. Play cards. Play video games. Play board games. Play Ring Around the Rosie. Play tug of war. It doesnt matter what you play. Just play! It is good for your spirit and good for your brain. It gives your brain a chance to think strategically, and keeps it working.

6. Learn something new. This one might seem obvious. Yes, we capitalize on our brains great potential when we put it to work learning new things. You may have a specific topic for work or leisure that you want to learn more about. Thats great. Go learn it. If you dont have a subject in mind right now, try learning a new word each day. There is a strong correlation between working vocabulary and intelligence. When we have new words in our vocabulary, our minds can think in new ways with greater nuances between ideas. Put your mind to work learning. It is one of the best ways to re-energize your brain.

7. Write to be read. I am a big proponent of writing in a journal to capture ideas and thoughts. There is certainly great value in writing for yourself. I continue to find that my brain is greatly stimulated by writing to be read. Writing this article (and at least one per week) is one example and writing in my blog is another example. There are several situations and audiences for which I write each week. There are many benefits to me in doing this. The greatest isnt visibility or marketing; the greatest is what it does to expand my brains capacity. Find ways to write to be read in your church newsletter, by writing things for your kids to read, by capturing the stories of your childhood (see number 3 above), starting your own blog or whatever just write to be read.

8. Exercise. We all know that exercise is important for your physical health. Our brain is a part of that body, so increasing our blood flow brings more oxygen to the brain oxygen that is the fuel for that beautiful brain. When I exercise I get fresh ideas. When I exercise I feel better physically and mentally. Just add improving my brain to the list of great reasons to exercise.

This is a short but powerful list. I encourage you to apply at least one of these approaches starting today. Look at your to do list and your calendar. Put it on your list in ink.

Your brain will thank you in the form of new ideas, greater stamina, more passion for your tasks and in so many more ways.

Kevin Eikenberry

Kevin Eikenberry is a speaker, trainer, consultant, author, and entrepreneur. Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that provides a wide range of services, including training delivery and design, facilitation, performance coaching, organizational consulting, and speaking services. Kevin has worked with small organizations to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of leadership, consulting, customer service, teamwork, creativity and developing potential. He publishes four ezines read by over 90,000 people worldwide. Kevin is a contributing author of the best-selling book, Walking with the Wise (Mentors Press 2003) and has been a contributor to ten Training and Development Sourcebooks since 1997. Kevin's goal is to reach organizations and individuals who believe in the power of action – organizations and individuals who are passionate about succeeding at their highest level. Contact him at 888.LEARNER or Kevin@KevinEikenberry.com.