1. Your brain thrives on novelty. Just like doing the same physical exercise eventually leads to diminishing returns, doing the same mental task (like that familiar crossword puzzle) becomes routine. The real benefit comes from tackling something new – learning a different type of game, picking up a few phrases in another language, or figuring out a skill you haven't tried before. It's the *learning* process that counts. 2. Use technology mindfully for growth. Building on that CNN finding, technology can be more than just a passive consumption tool. It offers incredible ways to learn. Think language learning apps, insightful online courses, engaging digital puzzles, or even exploring basic coding concepts. The key is using it actively to acquire new knowledge or skills, not just for scrolling. 3. Small, consistent habits have a big impact. You don't need hours-long 'brain training' sessions. Short bursts of focused mental activity add up significantly over time. Spending 15 minutes learning a new vocabulary word or understanding a complex topic each day is likely more effective than trying to cram learning into one long session every few weeks. | 
