3 weird tricks to keep your brain young—and one you can do in the shower
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Veronica E.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little foggy now and then—forgetting why you walked into a room or trying to recall someone’s name.
As we age, moments like these can become more frequent.
But staying mentally sharp doesn’t have to mean hours of brain games or memorizing shopping lists.
In fact, some of the most effective brain-boosters are surprisingly quirky—and even a little fun.
At The GrayVine, we’re always on the lookout for creative, science-backed ways to support healthy aging.
Today, we’re sharing three unexpected brain health habits recommended by Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods—ones you can easily add to your routine, including during your morning shower.

1. Chew something crunchy—or a piece of gum
Chewing does more than keep your jaw moving.
It increases blood flow to areas of the brain tied to learning and memory, especially the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Chewing gum, crunchy snacks like apples or carrots, or even gently biting on a pencil (though not recommended for your teeth!) can give your brain a small but meaningful boost.
Just be sure to skip the sugary gum—and maybe leave the pencil for doodling!
Also read: The surprising link between your teeth and a healthy heart and brain—what dentists wish you knew
2. Try walking backwards for a change
Yes, you read that right!
“Retro walking,” or walking backward, is a surprisingly powerful mental workout.
It forces your brain to pay closer attention to balance and movement, improving coordination and activating underused neural pathways.
You don’t need to do laps around the neighborhood in reverse—start small in a safe space, like your hallway, backyard, or even the shallow end of a pool.
Want to make it more fun?
Try a few slow steps in the shower (with a hand on the wall for safety, of course).
Also read: Reverse your back pain and supercharge your brainpower with this counterintuitive trick!
3. Hum your favorite tune
Humming isn't just for passing time—it’s a powerful way to calm your nervous system.
When you hum, you stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving digestion.
This gentle vibration can also increase blood flow to the brain and improve your mood.
The best part? You can hum anywhere—while cooking, walking, or bathing.
And you don’t have to sound like a professional singer to get the benefits!
Also read: A quiet trick that might help you relax—no fancy tools required!
Why these offbeat tricks matter
These habits might seem odd, but that’s part of the point.
The brain loves novelty.
Trying new, mildly challenging things helps build fresh connections between brain cells, keeping your mind agile and engaged.
And because they’re simple and low-effort, you can incorporate them into your daily life without feeling overwhelmed.
Neuroscientist Kevin Woods notes that no two brains are alike—so the key is to test out what works best for you.
Also read: Brain health secrets: How to flush out "brain waste" and protect your mind
Other unusual ideas to try
Looking for even more ways to keep your brain on its toes? Here are a few bonus suggestions:
Remember, keeping your mind sharp doesn’t have to mean hours of puzzles or complicated routines.
Sometimes, it’s the simple, quirky habits—like humming in the shower or walking backwards down the hall—that make all the difference.
Try a few, have fun with it, and see what sparks a little extra brainpower in your day.
Read next: 75-year-old grandfather shares his surprising brain tricks to outsmart dementia—Could these “fun tests” work for you?
Have you tried any of these oddball brain boosters? Got a go-to tip for staying mentally sharp—or a funny story about walking backward into a doorframe? Let us know in the comments. Your experiences could inspire someone else to give their brain a boost today!
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little foggy now and then—forgetting why you walked into a room or trying to recall someone’s name.
As we age, moments like these can become more frequent.
But staying mentally sharp doesn’t have to mean hours of brain games or memorizing shopping lists.
In fact, some of the most effective brain-boosters are surprisingly quirky—and even a little fun.
At The GrayVine, we’re always on the lookout for creative, science-backed ways to support healthy aging.
Today, we’re sharing three unexpected brain health habits recommended by Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods—ones you can easily add to your routine, including during your morning shower.

A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to keeping your brain active and engaged. Image Source: Pexels / KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA.
1. Chew something crunchy—or a piece of gum
Chewing does more than keep your jaw moving.
It increases blood flow to areas of the brain tied to learning and memory, especially the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Chewing gum, crunchy snacks like apples or carrots, or even gently biting on a pencil (though not recommended for your teeth!) can give your brain a small but meaningful boost.
Just be sure to skip the sugary gum—and maybe leave the pencil for doodling!
Also read: The surprising link between your teeth and a healthy heart and brain—what dentists wish you knew
2. Try walking backwards for a change
Yes, you read that right!
“Retro walking,” or walking backward, is a surprisingly powerful mental workout.
It forces your brain to pay closer attention to balance and movement, improving coordination and activating underused neural pathways.
You don’t need to do laps around the neighborhood in reverse—start small in a safe space, like your hallway, backyard, or even the shallow end of a pool.
Want to make it more fun?
Try a few slow steps in the shower (with a hand on the wall for safety, of course).
Also read: Reverse your back pain and supercharge your brainpower with this counterintuitive trick!
3. Hum your favorite tune
Humming isn't just for passing time—it’s a powerful way to calm your nervous system.
When you hum, you stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving digestion.
This gentle vibration can also increase blood flow to the brain and improve your mood.
The best part? You can hum anywhere—while cooking, walking, or bathing.
And you don’t have to sound like a professional singer to get the benefits!
Also read: A quiet trick that might help you relax—no fancy tools required!
Why these offbeat tricks matter
These habits might seem odd, but that’s part of the point.
The brain loves novelty.
Trying new, mildly challenging things helps build fresh connections between brain cells, keeping your mind agile and engaged.
And because they’re simple and low-effort, you can incorporate them into your daily life without feeling overwhelmed.
Neuroscientist Kevin Woods notes that no two brains are alike—so the key is to test out what works best for you.
Also read: Brain health secrets: How to flush out "brain waste" and protect your mind
Other unusual ideas to try
Looking for even more ways to keep your brain on its toes? Here are a few bonus suggestions:
- Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand
- Take a new route on your daily walk or drive
- Learn a new skill—like a few phrases in a new language, or how to play an instrument
Remember, keeping your mind sharp doesn’t have to mean hours of puzzles or complicated routines.
Sometimes, it’s the simple, quirky habits—like humming in the shower or walking backwards down the hall—that make all the difference.
Try a few, have fun with it, and see what sparks a little extra brainpower in your day.
Read next: 75-year-old grandfather shares his surprising brain tricks to outsmart dementia—Could these “fun tests” work for you?
Key Takeaways
- Chewing gum or crunchy foods may increase blood flow to key memory areas in the brain, potentially supporting learning and focus.
- Walking backwards—also known as retro walking—challenges coordination, strengthens neural pathways, and burns more calories than walking forward.
- Humming stimulates the vagus nerve, which may help improve mood, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function through better blood flow.
- Neuroscientist Kevin Woods says experimenting with these unusual habits can help keep your brain engaged and healthy over time.
Have you tried any of these oddball brain boosters? Got a go-to tip for staying mentally sharp—or a funny story about walking backward into a doorframe? Let us know in the comments. Your experiences could inspire someone else to give their brain a boost today!