Like physical exercise, keeping the brain active and alert is also a key in reducing the risk of deteriorating mental illnesses. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are diseases nobody wants to get. And it’s very difficult to watch a loved one forget who they are and who you are all because of an incurable disease.
A combination of social engagement and taking part in activities helps to stimulate the brain goes a long way. Try these brain exercises to keep your memory and logical thinking skills as up to speed as possible.
A)Do Sudoku
A Sudoku puzzle has similar effects to playing a board game. You exercise your brain by fitting the numbers in the boxes in a very specific order, which can sharpen your thinking skills and prolong your brain’s health. It’s easy to find Sudoku puzzles online or in your local newspaper. Try to do one every morning while you sip your coffee.
B)Learn a Musical Instrument
Learning a musical instrument is the ultimate brain exercise. It forces your brain to take on something it is completely unfamiliar with. Research has shown that playing an instrument helps keep the mind sharper and improves long-term memory. Also, a study out of the University of Montreal showed that those who play instruments have faster reaction times, which is important–as you get older, your reaction time typically slows. Playing an instrument can help prevent that cognitive slip.
C)Math in Your Head
You don’t need a program or app for this. Just develop the habit of figuring out problems without using the computer, paper or pencil. Try to work it out in your head while walking to make it more difficult.
D)Read Books
Reading is one of those activities you might not have realized can benefit your brain. But actually, it helps keep your brain working in a way television can’t. Instead of sitting in front of the television for two hours every night, try spending one hour watching your favorite show, then the next hour reading. Not only will it help your brain function, but it can also help you get a better night’s sleep.
E)Crossword Puzzles
Any type of number or word puzzles are beneficial because they will stimulate the brain continuously and help you maintain your recall ability. Play the puzzles, discover and remember information and give different sections of your brain the exercise they need. Big puzzles can span for days, which is going to improve your long-term memory. The puzzles also stimulate problem-solving and reasoning functions, which are often severely affected by dementia.
F)Take a Cooking Class
Cooking is another new skill that forces the brain to work hard. Reading measurements, following slicing directions, multitasking with ingredients, and more are all great ways to give your brain a workout. If you don’t want to spend money on a cooking class, purchase a cookbook and try cooking a new recipe a few nights a week. Learn about measurements and food safety, too, for extra ways to exercise your brain.
G)Learn a New Language
Learning a new language can definitely challenge your brain. There are countless resources to help master a new language. You can buy audio books online or at local bookstores near you.
H)Test Your Recall
Another game for which you don’t need a program. Just create a list of things to do, grocery items or anything else that comes to your mind, and memorize the list. Try to remember each item after about an hour. This will give you a mental stimulation and improve your recall abilities.
I)Write Something
Writing keeps your brain working. You feel intimidated at the thought of writing.Start writing a daily journal for a few weeks or months. After a while, you will start writing stories or even your autobiography.
J)Dakim
This is a brain fitness program where you have a set of puzzles and games that give your brain a comprehensive workout. The 100+ brain exercises also improve concentration and attention. These are mental tasks that play a crucial role in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s.
K)Get Regular Exercise
Regular physical exercise benefits your body, mind, and spirit. Go for a walk but make sure to change your route every now and then. You can also take low-impact classes in the gym. Make it a habit to add something new in your workouts to continuously challenge the brain.
L)Learn a new board game or card game
Playing a board game with the family has two benefits: It promotes family bonding and it exercises the brain. Sit friends or family down for a fun night that will help sharpen your mind while having fun. Certain games, such as Chess, have been proven to lead to higher math scores on standardized tests. Other games, like Monopoly, help sharpen cognitive thinking and improve decision making skills. All of these effects help prevent dementia.
