How to Play Mind Games

Keep your mind healthy and agile by playing mind games. These include memory games and games that use different parts of your brain. They are also called "neurobics" because they exercise your brain. Play mind games to create new connections between the synapses of your brain and keep your brain healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Play memory games like concentration. Set out a deck of cards and try to match up the pairs.
2. Use your non-dominant hand for a day. Your brain has to work differently to use your other hand. Not only is it fun, but it creates new connections in your brain. For a simple challenge, try brushing your teeth with the other hand.
3. Get dressed in a different order. If you usually put your shirt on first, then your pants and finally your socks, then do it in the opposite order. Your brain has to work harder to do things differently, so getting dressed in a different order is like exercise for the brain.
4. Exercise different parts of your brain by using different senses. You smell bread baking and suddenly you think of home. That's because your brain associates the smell with a good memory. Make a game of association by matching other senses with memories.
5. Try something new. Suddenly your brain will be waking up to the new experience. Learn a new language. Play a new game. Learn a new musical instrument. Stimulate a different part of your brain. Make a game of it by challenging yourself to learn a few new notes each day.
6. Entertain children and help yourself at the same time by playing memory games, logic games and board games. Solve puzzles or solve a mystery.
7. Use the computer to play mind games. Visit queendom.com, hive-mind.com and playwithyourmind.com to play online mind games and puzzles.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep practicing. Doing things a different way can be a challenge, but it's the exercise your brain needs to keep healthy.