Brain Games!
We are constantly reminded that we must eat healthy and exercise to live a long, robust life. The exercise portion of a healthy lifestyle does not just refer to physically moving your body. It also includes keeping your brain active. As we age, our brains undergo a range of changes that can affect our cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and processing speed. While some decline in cognitive function is a natural part of aging, research has shown that engaging in regular brain-stimulating activities can help to slow down or even reverse these changes. It's essential to keep your brain active and engaged to maintain cognitive function and overall brain health.
One effective way to exercise your brain is through daily brain games, which are designed to challenge and engage our minds in a fun and interactive way. I have included a list of some great resources you can use to train your brain. The best part about the list below is that all of these are apps that you can download on your iPhone or Android. So you can exercise your brain at any moment throughout the day and it is all at the touch of your fingertips.
Lumosity: Lumosity is a popular app that offers a variety of games and puzzles to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
BrainHQ: BrainHQ is a comprehensive brain-training app that offers exercises to improve memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions.
Peak: Peak is a brain-training app that offers a variety of games and puzzles to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
TED: TED is an app that offers short, educational videos on a wide range of topics to help improve your knowledge and cognitive skills.
Duo Lingo: DuoLingo is a language learning app that offers a gamified approach to learning new languages. It's a great way to improve your memory, attention, and processing speed.
Wordle: Wordle is a word game that provides a new hidden word each day. Players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word, with feedback given for each guess in the form of colored tiles indicating when letters match or occupy the correct position.
If these brain games are not for you, there are plenty of other simple ways to train your brain throughout the day. Below is a list of alternatives to the brain games listed above.
1. Learn something new: Engage in lifelong learning by taking an online course, watching educational videos, or reading books on various subjects.
2. Practice puzzles and games: Engage in activities like crosswords, Sudoku, chess, and brain teasers that challenge your problem-solving skills.
3. Practice mental math: Engage in mental calculations, such as calculating tips, converting units, or mentally solving simple math problems.
4. Use your non-dominant hand: Try using your non-dominant hand for everyday activities like brushing your teeth, writing, or using a computer mouse to stimulate brain activity.
5. Engage in creative activities: Pursue hobbies like painting, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument to stimulate your creative side and keep your brain active.
6. Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to improve focus and reduce stress.
7. Stay social: Engage in social activities like volunteering, joining a club, or meeting with friends to stimulate your brain and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
8. Take breaks and relax: It's essential to give your brain time to relax and recharge. Take short breaks throughout the day to do something you enjoy, like listening to music or taking a walk.
The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that challenge your brain in different ways. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll keep your brain active and healthy. Regardless of who you are, daily brain games are a valuable addition to your routine. Incorporating these games into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to not only improve your cognitive abilities, but also enhance your overall well-being and quality of life. Not to mention, it is super easy to find time to play these daily games. We can play them on our commute, during breaks at work, or even while relaxing at home. With so many benefits and so little time required, it's no wonder why brain games have become a popular activity for people of all ages.
Sources
Al-Thaqib A, Al-Sultan F, Al-Zahrani A, et al. Brain training games enhance cognitive function in healthy subjects. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2018;24:63-69. doi:10.12659%2FMSMBR.909022
Hampshire A, Sandrone S, Hellyer PJ. A large-scale, cross-sectional investigation into the efficacy of brain training. Front Hum Neurosci. 2019;13:221. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2019.00221
Written by: Mya Andres