Introduction: How to Become Ambidextrous
Want to learn to become ambidextrous? Well you've come to the right place! This is probably the most in depth instructable about ambidexterity you have and will ever see. It possibly could be. Now I'm new to this, so if I have some weird mistakes(not just typos) in this, I apologize. I'm 13 and still figuring this out but I hope it helps.
Step 1: Step 1: Create an Ambidextrous Notebook
To do this, find a notebook, it can be spiral or nonsprial. If you're a beginner and are trying to become left handed as well, non-spiral or a folder full of loose leaf paper will do, because it can become very uncomfortable with the spirals. Use this notebook solely for the purpose of training, because we want to reduce any stress possible, and losing papers and being unorganized is one way to top the stress. You can even label it Ambidextrous Notebook just so you can remember what its for.
Step 2: Step 2: Do Some Pre-hand Stretches
Now you need to do some stretches for the hand you want to become more dominant with. Follow the video. You might need to download it. I'm new to this. So I'm not sure.
Attachments
Step 3: Step 3: Learn to Hold a Pencil/pen
The easiest way I've found is to hold the pencil in your dominant hand, and then mirror it exactly, this will probably be the most comfortable position because that's why you chose that grip style for your dominant. Make sure to mirror exactly, pay special attention to your index middle and thumb, as these are most likely your guiding fingers. Practice switching hands back and forth until it becomes less awkward and more natural. Also be sure not to grip too tightly or too loosely, this is extremely important while writing.
Step 4: Step 4: Increase Your Strength
do this by squeezing a stress ball or some putty(I wouldn't recommend play dough because the consistency is very soft) at least 30 times for 4-5 seconds each, do this as often as you like just try not to overdue it because your hand will become quite sore and make it difficult to continue training.
Step 5: Step 5: Draw Straight Lines
As the title says, draw straight lines, easy, right? NO. It may/WILL be difficult at first will probably look like bacon strips. But the more you do this the easier it will become. Your hand will probably cramp some, and when this happens at any time during training. Stop and do some stretches. Then continue. Draw these lines in page 1 of your notebook, label at the top Exercise 1: (insert a few straight lines) . in the top left put the number 1 and the top right put the date and Day 1. You will label every page in this manner. You can do the whole page or a half, just according to how strong and the endurance of your hand.
Step 6: Step 6: Draw These Slashes:///// Etc.
just like the first exercise label your paper and draw slashes going /// way.
Step 7: Step 7: Now Draw Slashes the Opposite Way:\\\\\
I think you get the point
Step 8: Step 8: Draw Circles
you know the drill.
Step 9: Step 9: Write the Alphabet Every Letter on a Different Page. Half Capital and Half Lower Case
label the title Exercise 5: A 1/2 ; a1/2. Then repeat with the rest of the letters.
Step 10: Step 10: the Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog
Now write this sentence " The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" by now you should be on exercise 30. The reason you're writing this weird sentence is because it contains all the letters of the alphabet. And if you're anything like me, I got really bored writing the alphabet, but that step is important to increasing your dexterity.
Step 11: Step 11: Write Your Name
just write your name.??????
Step 12: Step 12: Have Some Fun!
Finally!!! Now go draw a picture play some video games but remember to use your non dominant hand. Really, you can do whatever you want on paper, but don't forget to challenge yourself, it Will be useless if its not a tad bit difficult.
Step 13: Step 13: Things to Remember
1: relax your neck, shoulders and forearm relaxed, this should keep cramping at a minimum
2: always do prep stretches. I can not stress this enough, just like at the gym, if you work out on cold muscles......???(I'd hate to be you in the morning?)
3: don't JUST write, you need to do lots of things with your opposite hand, like brushing your teeth/hair, opening doors, eating(only do this in public when your hand is more stable) really anything that requires 1 hand.
4: if you get a headache or become brain fatigued, you may want to let off the training a little bit because when your using the opposite hemisphere of your brain.... Things happen.
5: if your in school, don't try to write everything with your opposite hand in the beginning, its not gonna happen, what you can do is rewrite your notes with your other hand at home for some extra practice and you'll even learn something.
6: Have fun!!!! The whole point of this is to learn a new skill and if its boring, what's the point? You don't have to follow my exercises exactly, you can mix it up a little, have some fun experimenting what you can and can not do. So I think I'll wrap this up here. The rest is up to you, you now have the foundation skills and are on the path to mastering ambidexterity! Give yourself a pat on the back (with your opposite hand of course?) for trying something unique and great for your mind!