There are different ways of doing mental calisthenics. One is to try new things. Every time you try something new, you create new pathways in your brain, which keeps you from engraving even deeper the ruts you’re in.

Along with new things, stretch your brain by trying things that you think are beyond yourself. Step out and meet new people. Go to places that are out of your comfort zone. Try different restaurants. Try fixing things that someone else has said there’s only one way to fix it and it will cost you a bundle.

When I was younger, I used to think, “If it only involves removing a few screws and replacing a part, I can do that.” Because of that, I replaced parts on my dishwasher, my washer, and my dryer. At one point I had my whole dryer taken apart. I got it back together and it was working like new.

Just yesterday, I was trying to connect the scanner on my printer to my new computer. I just got a new computer and everything that was on my old computer automatically switched over to the new one…except the scanner on my printer. My printer connected and worked, but the scanner did not. After working with it for a little while, I decided to open a chat with the manufacturer of the printer. That person (AI?) connected me with a real person who could diagnose the problem and offer a solution. He told me I needed a deep cleaning and optimization and new internet security. He said I would not be able to do this myself. The new internet security was going to cost $450 a year! I told him I wasn’t prepared to spend that kind of money and I would have to wait.

This morning I decided to look at my old computer to compare what transferred over and what didn’t. I knew I had a printer app on the old computer, but apparently it didn’t transfer over. I didn’t realize that I could download that app on my new computer. Simple as that! Long story short, I downloaded the app, I can access the scanner and it works like a charm. I just saved $450 dollars for this year alone! (I wouldn’t have gotten that security anyway.)

The whole process made this 70s-something grandma feel 20 years younger because I found out I could still do it, and the feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. You get old fast when you get stuck in a rut.