You might think that you use your brain all the time, whether it's completing work tasks, running a household or making life choices that require careful consideration and thought. But in reality your brain is simply going through the motions, it's 'functioning' instead of actually 'working.' So it's time to think of your brain as the vital machine it is and, like all machines, it needs proper maintenance, care and regular overhauls to keep it motoring at optimum performance. One of the best ways to do this is by playing brain games, which help trigger your synapses and keep them sharp. So we've come up with five fun games to treat your brain to some one-on-one time and make sure you stay alert, focused and ready to deal with anything life throws at you.
You might think that you use your brain all the time, whether it's completing work tasks, running a household or making life choices that require careful consideration and thought. But in reality your brain is simply going through the motions, it's 'functioning' instead of actually 'working.' So it's time to think of your brain as the vital machine it is and, like all machines, it needs proper maintenance, care and regular overhauls to keep it motoring at optimum performance. One of the best ways to do this is by playing brain games, which help trigger your synapses and keep them sharp. So we've come up with five fun games to treat your brain to some one-on-one time and make sure you stay alert, focused and ready to deal with anything life throws at you.
1. Lumosity
This a very popular online game created by brain scientists and game designers with the specific purpose of massaging those hidden synapses which are prone to hibernation. It's a free app (although you can pay for a more comprehensive subscription with more games and daily tasks) with a daily set of three tasks encompassing speed, attention and memory games. They only take around 20 minutes per day to do and the tests are ideally taken in the morning to set you up for the rest of the day. You'll be able to see how you 'rate' among other players the same age as you and, if you sign up to the premium pack, you can set targets and see how your memory and focus improve over time.
2. Sudoku and crosswords
Probably two of the most simple and accessible brain games out there, you can play Sudoku and crosswords either manually or online. Why are they so good for the brain? Because according to research, both activities bring calm and order to your brain. Think of an idling engine - it still ticks over but does not expend any wasted energy. In the same way, playing simple games like these allows your 'brain engine' to stay focused without wearing out. Doing puzzles is not about completing the mission or knowing the correct answers, though, it's merely about putting your brain to work on a dedicated task where the outcome isn't important - unlike most everyday tasks which do have a consequence if not performed correctly.
3. IQ Tests
IQ tests are more specific than simple brain training games as they delve further into the way your brain works, which can help you identify what mental skills you are best at and how to apply them to your everyday life. Taking regular IQ tests help your brain to process and harbor information and, again, this shouldn't be about proving how intelligent you are (we are all intelligent in different ways,) it's simply a way to keep your brain active and help you learn about what hidden mental powers you actually have. For example, after completing IQ tests, some people realize they have an aptitude for numbers or patterns, while others find they have an innate ability for logic puzzles which can then help them tackle similar problems in the workplace or at home. There are plenty of online IQ tests, but the Mensa website has a fun, free Mensa Workout which is a precursor to the main test - a great place to start to see if you get a taste for it.
4. Neurobics
If you want to train your brain by staying active at the same time, then neurobics may be for you. Yes, it's aerobics for the brain (clever, huh?) and it's based around doing everyday tasks in a different way, which is supposed to stimulate the hippocampus and cerebral cortex (responsible for memory and thought) to reach exciting new heights. Example 'games' include brushing your teeth like a Southpaw boxer, flipping photographs (or fridge magnets, clocks etc) to look at them a different way, and choosing what to wear for the day by putting on a blindfold and picking random objects from your closet (probably best done on weekends...) The idea is that your brain will be forced to 'disassociate' temporarily from how it usually makes connections, therefore becoming more receptive and more likely to remember different things. For example, if you always associate the smell of coffee with starting your day, you could try drinking it only in the evenings instead. This kick-starts your brain to thinking differently about what coffee 'means' to you. It might sound hokey, but there's growing research to suggest that neurobics actually boosts memory recall and retention skills - the “getting dressed blindfolded” game, for instance, rewires your brain to trust your other senses more, which in turn keeps the mind alert and focused.
5. CogniFit Brain Fitness
This is a brain game developed by neuroscientists to both challenge your mind and fine tune your cognitive skills. It's a combination of daily visual and text games which aim to significantly improve short term memory. You'll be able to tailor a daily program to suit your specific mental skills as well as grade yourself and learn how to improve on areas where you're lacking. Games can be quite addictive, so be careful not to overstretch those little gray cells.
To add to all that brain-training fun, you could try adding in some nootropic supplements to see if your mental faculties improve even further. So-called “smart pills” and “smart shots” are exploding in popularity because they can help your mind focus on specific tasks, especially studying and memory recall. Products like DO IT Focus & Energy Shot and ROCK ON Brain Formula nootropic smart pills are 100% natural, herbal brain supplements which can optimize cognitive function, promote memory recall and help boost mental energy with no adverse side effects.
This a very popular online game created by brain scientists and game designers with the specific purpose of massaging those hidden synapses which are prone to hibernation. It's a free app (although you can pay for a more comprehensive subscription with more games and daily tasks) with a daily set of three tasks encompassing speed, attention and memory games. They only take around 20 minutes per day to do and the tests are ideally taken in the morning to set you up for the rest of the day. You'll be able to see how you 'rate' among other players the same age as you and, if you sign up to the premium pack, you can set targets and see how your memory and focus improve over time.
2. Sudoku and crosswords
Probably two of the most simple and accessible brain games out there, you can play Sudoku and crosswords either manually or online. Why are they so good for the brain? Because according to research, both activities bring calm and order to your brain. Think of an idling engine - it still ticks over but does not expend any wasted energy. In the same way, playing simple games like these allows your 'brain engine' to stay focused without wearing out. Doing puzzles is not about completing the mission or knowing the correct answers, though, it's merely about putting your brain to work on a dedicated task where the outcome isn't important - unlike most everyday tasks which do have a consequence if not performed correctly.
3. IQ Tests
IQ tests are more specific than simple brain training games as they delve further into the way your brain works, which can help you identify what mental skills you are best at and how to apply them to your everyday life. Taking regular IQ tests help your brain to process and harbor information and, again, this shouldn't be about proving how intelligent you are (we are all intelligent in different ways,) it's simply a way to keep your brain active and help you learn about what hidden mental powers you actually have. For example, after completing IQ tests, some people realize they have an aptitude for numbers or patterns, while others find they have an innate ability for logic puzzles which can then help them tackle similar problems in the workplace or at home. There are plenty of online IQ tests, but the Mensa website has a fun, free Mensa Workout which is a precursor to the main test - a great place to start to see if you get a taste for it.
4. Neurobics
If you want to train your brain by staying active at the same time, then neurobics may be for you. Yes, it's aerobics for the brain (clever, huh?) and it's based around doing everyday tasks in a different way, which is supposed to stimulate the hippocampus and cerebral cortex (responsible for memory and thought) to reach exciting new heights. Example 'games' include brushing your teeth like a Southpaw boxer, flipping photographs (or fridge magnets, clocks etc) to look at them a different way, and choosing what to wear for the day by putting on a blindfold and picking random objects from your closet (probably best done on weekends...) The idea is that your brain will be forced to 'disassociate' temporarily from how it usually makes connections, therefore becoming more receptive and more likely to remember different things. For example, if you always associate the smell of coffee with starting your day, you could try drinking it only in the evenings instead. This kick-starts your brain to thinking differently about what coffee 'means' to you. It might sound hokey, but there's growing research to suggest that neurobics actually boosts memory recall and retention skills - the “getting dressed blindfolded” game, for instance, rewires your brain to trust your other senses more, which in turn keeps the mind alert and focused.
5. CogniFit Brain Fitness
This is a brain game developed by neuroscientists to both challenge your mind and fine tune your cognitive skills. It's a combination of daily visual and text games which aim to significantly improve short term memory. You'll be able to tailor a daily program to suit your specific mental skills as well as grade yourself and learn how to improve on areas where you're lacking. Games can be quite addictive, so be careful not to overstretch those little gray cells.
To add to all that brain-training fun, you could try adding in some nootropic supplements to see if your mental faculties improve even further. So-called “smart pills” and “smart shots” are exploding in popularity because they can help your mind focus on specific tasks, especially studying and memory recall. Products like DO IT Focus & Energy Shot and ROCK ON Brain Formula nootropic smart pills are 100% natural, herbal brain supplements which can optimize cognitive function, promote memory recall and help boost mental energy with no adverse side effects.
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