When we think of brain health, the usual advice is to solve puzzles, play chess, or do crosswords. But what if sharpening your mind was as simple as switching the hand you use to brush your teeth? Dr Sudhir Kumar, a renowned neurologist from CMC Vellore, recently shared on X that small daily tweaks—like using your non-dominant hand—can actually rewire the brain and improve its resilience over time.
According to Dr Kumar, just like muscles, the brain strengthens when it’s challenged. By forcing yourself to use your less active hand for simple tasks, you stimulate areas of the brain that normally sit idle. This not only boosts cognitive flexibility but also encourages the creation of new neural connections.
He even listed five easy ways to try it out in everyday life-
- Eat or cook with your opposite hand
- Use your non-dominant hand to operate the phone
- Write a short note
- Brush your teeth or comb your hair with your non-dominant hand
- Experiment with percussion or piano where the non-dominant hand takes the lead.
Dr Kumar emphasised that even tiny shifts in daily habits can build long-term brain resilience, ultimately leading to a healthier, sharper life.
Internet reacts
The post sparked a wave of curiosity and excitement online. Some people wondered if using both hands might actually disturb brain function, but Dr Kumar quickly dismissed the concern as untrue. Many others shared their appreciation, calling the tips useful and easy to include in daily routines. Several readers said they were inspired to start trying the tricks right away, with one even promising to make it a part of their life from that very day.
According to Dr Kumar, just like muscles, the brain strengthens when it’s challenged. By forcing yourself to use your less active hand for simple tasks, you stimulate areas of the brain that normally sit idle. This not only boosts cognitive flexibility but also encourages the creation of new neural connections.
He even listed five easy ways to try it out in everyday life-
- Eat or cook with your opposite hand
- Use your non-dominant hand to operate the phone
- Write a short note
- Brush your teeth or comb your hair with your non-dominant hand
- Experiment with percussion or piano where the non-dominant hand takes the lead.
🧠Boost Your Brain Health-by using Your Other Hand! ✋🤚
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) August 15, 2025
▶️Did you know?
Using your non-dominant hand for daily activities like brushing your teeth, eating, or opening doors can challenge your brain, encourage new neural connections, and may improve cognitive flexibility over…
Dr Kumar emphasised that even tiny shifts in daily habits can build long-term brain resilience, ultimately leading to a healthier, sharper life.
Internet reacts
The post sparked a wave of curiosity and excitement online. Some people wondered if using both hands might actually disturb brain function, but Dr Kumar quickly dismissed the concern as untrue. Many others shared their appreciation, calling the tips useful and easy to include in daily routines. Several readers said they were inspired to start trying the tricks right away, with one even promising to make it a part of their life from that very day.
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