You may have heard or read about it and it's true. Brain exercises and games help improve the memory. First, games clear and relax the brain because it knows it will have fun. It makes the brain creative which stimulates it to remember some details needed to contribute in winning the game. And second, brain exercises make both sides of the brain work and this is like jogging the mind. It challenges the brain and this enhances brain health since neurons function more and more brain chemicals are utilized. When all cognitive functions work well the memory is affected too in a much positive manner.
Brain exercises
To jog your brain is to make both sides of it work. The right and left side of your brain have their own functions and have been used to doing things especially your daily activities. In doing brain exercises, you challenge both hemispheres into doing something new.
One exercise you can do almost every day is to move your eyes from side to side for 10 seconds. This enables the brain to try to focus on the things it see on each side at a fast pace thereby helps in concentration. Another exercise you can do is to use your other hand in brushing your teeth, in writing or in moving the computer's mouse. If you are right-handed, use your left even for just 5 minutes. Learning how to write using your left-hand would be a great brain challenge. Try closing your eyes in routine activities like taking a bath or wearing your clothes. You know that you know how to do it but doing it with eyes closed makes you utilize your senses more and this makes the brain work harder. Ever wonder why blind persons have more keen senses than us who can see?
Games
As we have studied physical activities are contributory to brain health too especially the memory. But to stimulate the specific cognitive functions, play challenging board, word and trivia games like crossword puzzles, Hangman, Hangaroo, Sudoku, scrabble, text twists, and boggle. These not only stimulate the brain and memory but also check your knowledge in Math, spelling and vocabulary too.
Strategy games like Master Mind, Chinese checkers, games of the general, chess which is really beneficial for young children to keep them sharp and jigsaw puzzles especially the big ones with landscapes develop problem-solving skills and decision making.
You may also do games which need some physical activity like Pictionary or charades. These are word association games which force the brain to remember what it has seen or heard like TV shows, movies, celebrities and songs.
Making up your game like a spelling bee or trivia or word guessing game is another fun way to jog the brain. You get to be creative by thinking of the rules, procedures and scoring of the games.
The internet also offers a vast array of challenging mind and memory games. Some are for a fee but most sites offer free games. Just ensure you discipline yourself and just devote some time to exercise your brain and not get too addicted, especially with online games.
All these fun and creative exercises and games stimulate all cognitive skills and keep your brain young. You also get to spend quality time with friends or family especially the children as they enjoy games very much. When you make the brain work, it will work for you. When you force it to remember, it remembers more.
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