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Can your job make you dumb?

As I'm sitting here board out of my mind-- I had an epiphany.....

Can your job make you dumb?

I mean really, if you aren't flexing those mental connections during your 9-5 can that actually get you out of the habit of using your brain?

If this is the case what are some ways to sharpen brain function again?


Wed. Jun 7, 3:10pm

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I guess I am lucky because I work as a magazine editor. I am always reading, writing and learning all sorts of new things. My mind does not ever get a rest and I never do any sort of mindless "keep busy" sort of tasks.

I think though that regardless of your work, we should always seek out things that engage our mind. It's the old use it or lose it theory.

How about a word games (crossword puzzles and things of that sort), regular jigsaw puzzles could be challenging too. Reading the newspaper, news periodicals, magazines, books (non-fiction and fiction). What about watching documentaries. Learning a new language. Taking a class. Join a book club or some similar type of group that will have lively, thoughtful conversation. Visit a musuem. Taking a trip can stimulate you as well. Also, exercise is wonderful for keeping the mind young so don't overlook that.

There's lots of way to get the mind working. And I do believe that if you have a job that leaves you bored and unchallenged it is bad for both your mind and your body. So, if you can't change your work, then at least you can fill your free time with interesting mind challenges.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006, 3:34 PM

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yes, I find myself craving things to read and intelligent people to talk to to exercise my brain, because I think my job makes me dumber by the day otherwise.
can't wait to change!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006, 3:43 PM

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I agree, can you take some college classes to get you into a position that is more fulfilling? If so, they can keep your mind busy until you change jobs.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006, 7:13 PM

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Yes, absoluly, the mind can get flabby! Ok, well not literally, but doing a dumb job can dull your mind. If you can't change jobs, increase mental stimulation with word games, books, stimulating lectures, join a book club, watch only educational Tw shows, whatever you like. In the word of Dan Quayle (spelling?), "it's a terrible thing to loose your mind."

If you don't remember that one let me know, I'll tell you about it!

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 3:35 AM

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Absolutely YES! I read in "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" that you should stay in a job only as long as you're learning something new. When you've gotten everything out of it then it's time to move on to another job so you can learn and grow. Otherwise, it's a win-lose situation. Your employer is getting what they need from you but you're just getting a paycheck. You can get a paycheck someplace else and be developing new skills at the same time.

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 9:27 AM

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not only dumb, but doing the same thing your whole life puts you at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease at older age.

You have to stimulate your brain with new experiences, tastes, smells and colors. Also a little stress here and there, they say is good for you and protects you from developing breast cancer.

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 10:58 AM

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I em liveing proofe that a job can maeke a persone dummer.

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 12:27 PM

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LOL

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 3:20 PM

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A statement that I ascribe to is that you don't get old unless you stop learning.

If your job is not stimulating your brain-- try doing some things new and different outside of work.

Mix up your "normal" routine...

Find a dance class (many bars offer "Free" dance classes-- salsa, 2-step, swing, etc.) Check one of them out. (but beware of the alcohol-- stick to water or something less loaded with calories.) If you go dancing on a Wednesday (or other mid-week day), it can help to break up the monotony of the work week.

Check your local Chamber of commerce--It's summertime, many communities have free concerts, there are also art gallery openings (mostly free)... Sometimes certain concert venues will offer very cheap or free tickets just to fill up the venues (and gain money from concessions.) Try going to see a concert or a show for free or little money. (I am the queen of cheap entertainment!)

Get some friends together to try a restaurant in a cuisine that you've never tried. Order a few different dishes (stay away from the ones you know) and share it "family style" among your friends.

Take a weekend to do a little driving tour of your own city and try to see it from the eyes of a tourist. Go online, find all of the "Hidden gems" in your city and then visit them! ;-) Chances are, you've never truly seen your own town very thoroughly... ;-)

Logic games and puzzles are also good ways to stimulate the mind...

Sometimes it's good to bring out old a favorite old book that you haven't read in years and to re-read it. :-) You'll never know what new revelations you can find in an old book!

Lots of things you can do to keep from going bonkers in a monotonous job to get you more stimulated elsewhere!

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 4:07 PM

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I do scientific research, and I feel that my job is making me dumb! Sure, I'm "smart" in a very narrow way, but I don't have time to learn about other things, and I do a lot of repetitive boring tasks. I agree with the posters who suggest new hobbies, classes, interests outside of work. I think most jobs are either boring and repetitive or super stressful. Something else I find broadens your thinking -- go to a bookstore with a huge magazine rack and pick one out that you would NEVER normally read -- opens your eyes to a whole other world!

Thursday, June 08, 2006, 11:04 PM

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