How to Use Your Non-Dominant Hand on a Daily Basis

The brain is divided into two halves known as hemispheres. The hemispheres work together and separately to enable the human body to perform daily tasks. The right side of the brain controls the muscle function on the left side of the body and vice versa. Approximately 90 percent of the population is right-hand dominant. The remaining 10 percent is left handed, with a small portion being ambidextrous, equally able to use both hands. Performing tasks with a non-dominant hand promotes brain health by enabling the brain to generate neurons and form new neural pathways.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Paper
• Writing utensil

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Instructions

• 1

  Perform simple tasks using your non-dominant hand. Using a non-dominant hand will feel awkward initially. Performing easy tasks such as turning on a faucet, grasping objects or turning doorknobs will help your brain create new neural pathways while allowing your muscles to become acquainted with the movements.

• 2

  Brush your teeth using your non-dominant hand. The back-and-fourth motion used is a good exercise for the brain.

• 3

  Write a note or solve a crossword puzzle holding the writing utensil in your non-dominant hand. Write slowly at first to become accustomed to the fine motions involved in controlling the writing implement.

• 4

  Comb your hair using your non-dominant hand.

• 5

  Learn sign language. American Sign Language is a system of communication commonly used among deaf individuals that consists of hand motions that represent words and letters. Practicing even a few letters or words every day can give the brain needed exercise.

• 6

  Participate in a sport using your non-dominant hand. For example, when playing baseball try to throw using your non-dominant hand. Hitting from the opposite side of the batter's box is another way to use your non-dominant hand. Shoot baskets using your non-dominant hand as the support.