Brain exercises: 13 ways to boost memory, concentration and mental skills
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The brain is involved in everything we do and like any other part of the body, it also needs care. Exercising the brain to help improve memory, concentration, or daily function is a priority for many people, especially as we age. That said, people of all ages can benefit from incorporating some simple brain exercises into everyday life.
Research has shown that there are ways you can cultivate mental acuity and keep your brain healthy, no matter your age. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost memory, concentration, and concentration can make everyday tasks quicker and easier, while keeping your brain healthy. sensitive as you get older.
2. Some brain exercises help boost memory and mental skills
2.1. Jigsaw Puzzle
Whether you’re putting together 1,000 Eiffel Tower pieces or putting 100 pieces together to make Mickey Mouse, doing jigsaw puzzles is a great way to boost your brain and brain-related activities. .
Studies have shown that performing jigsaw puzzles engages multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visual-spatial cognitive aging. In other words, when putting a jigsaw together, you have to look at the different pieces and find their place in the bigger picture. Jigsaw puzzles can be a great way to challenge and exercise your brain.
2.2. Experiment with cards
Researchers who conducted a study: The Mentally Stimulating Activity Trust for Adults, found that a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in certain regions of the brain. The same study also shows that a card game can improve memory and thinking skills.
2.3. Build vocabulary
A rich vocabulary has a way of helping you to sound smart. But did you know you can also turn a quick vocab lesson into a brain-stimulating game?
Research shows that many other regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, especially in regions important for visual and auditory processing. To test this theory, try the following cognitive-enhancing activity:
- Keep a notebook with you.
- Write down an unfamiliar word, then look up the definition.
- Try to use the new word five times in real life situations.
2.4. Dance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that learning new dance moves can increase brain processing speed and memory .
2.5. Use all the senses in your body
A research report shows that using all of your senses can help strengthen your brain. To exercise your senses and your brain, try activities that engage all five of your senses simultaneously. You could try baking a batch of cookies, or visit a farmers market or sample something at a new restaurant. To do this activity, you should focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing and hearing at the same time.
2.6. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is not only fun and exciting, but it can also help strengthen the connections in your brain. Some studies also show that learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults.
2.7. Teach a new skill to others
One of the best ways you can expand your learning curve: Teach a skill to someone else. After you have learned and mastered a new skill, you need to practice it continuously. Teaching it to others requires you to explain the concept and correct any mistakes you make. For example, learn how to swing a golf club, then teach the steps to a friend.
2.8. Listen or play music
Do you want an easy way to boost your creative brain? The answer may lie in turning on some music. According to some studies, listening to happy tunes helps generate more creative solutions than silence. That is to say, turning on some pleasant music can help boost your creative thinking and brain.
If you want to learn how to play music perhaps this is a great time to start because your brain has the capacity to learn new skills at any time in life. That’s why you’re never too old to start playing an instrument like piano, guitar or even drums.
2.9. Take a new path
Don’t get stuck when it comes to your daily routine. Instead, try new ways to refresh your routine. Choose a different route to work each week, or try a different means of transportation, like biking or taking public transit instead of driving. Your brain can benefit from this simple change, and you may be surprised by how easy it is to change your mind.
2.10. Meditate
Daily meditation can calm the body, slow down breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety.
But did you know that meditation can also help refine your memory and increase your brain’s ability to process information. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and meditate for five minutes a day.
2.11. Learn a new language
A review of five studies demonstrated the numerous cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language.
According to many studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial skills, and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than one language can also make it easier to find opportunities between different jobs and delay the onset of age-related mental decline.
It’s never too late for you to reap the rewards of learning a new language. According to researchers, you can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life.
2.12. Tai Chi practice
It’s no secret that tai chi can benefit your health in many ways, including your mental health. In addition, practicing tai chi can also help you focus when life seems out of balance.
Practicing tai chi regularly has good effects in helping to reduce stress, enhance sleep quality and improve memory. One study found that long-term tai chi practice can cause structural changes in the brain, leading to increased brain volume.
Beginners do best by taking a class to learn different moves. But once you know the basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.
2.13. Focus on someone else
In the process of communicating with a person, try to jot down four things about them. You can apply this by observing the color of their shirt or pants. Do they wear glasses? Do they wear hats and what color hats?, and if so, what kind of hats? What color is their hair?
Once you decide on four things to remember, keep them in mind and come back to read them the next day.
Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental skills to increase focus , memory and mental agility, no matter where you are. what age. By incorporating brain exercises into your daily life, you will challenge your mind, exercise your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and richer in the process.
Hope the above information has provided you with more options of brain exercises . Wish you always have a scientific diet and improve your work productivity and improve your life.