The human brain is a complex organ, capable of power beyond compare. There are two sides of the brain. The left brain is the logical side. When the left side of the brain kicks in, you're likely to be analytical and rational. The right side is creative and subjective. In the best circumstances, you will use the two sides of your brain equally. Here are strategic exercises to help you accomplish this.

Left Brain or Right

Although we use both sides of our brain, most of us tend to be more oriented to one side or the other. In most cases, a person's personality and his behaviors make it obvious which side of his brain he uses most frequently. There are a number of tests that can help you decide which side of the brain you use most often (see Resources below). If you feel the need to take one of these tests, you're probably a left brain thinker.

Left Brain Exercises

The left brain is analytical. Exercises suitable for the left brain include doing crossword puzzles, number games such as Sudoku and organizing lists are effective for helping to develop the left side of the brain. If you're a writer, try plotting your stories before you begin. While writing is generally thought of as a creative right-brain activity, plotting requires logical sequence thinking, which helps develop the left side of the brain. If you're prone to taking spur-of-the-moment trips, force yourself to sit down and plan every aspect of a trip before you take it.

Right Brain Exercises

If you're more of a left-brain thinker, using the right side of your brain can be challenging. Left-brain thinkers are not prone to spontaneous behavior. Simple right-brain exercises might include changing habits. Watch something different on TV, change what you order at your favorite restaurant without analyzing the menu first. Try listening to music while cleaning the house or working in the yard. Right-brain thinkers think randomly and can easily handle more than one task at a time, while left-brain thinkers are more likely to concentrate on one task at a time.

Combine Left and Right Brain Exercises

Combining left and right brain exercises is the most effective way to bring both halves of your brain together and become a more well-rounded thinker. Alternate right and left brain activities over a period of time and you'll soon see an improvement in your overall personality and behavioral patterns.

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