Brain Stimulating Exercises

The more you think, the better your brain functions.

Your brain is a magnificent thinking organ. The human brain is able to adapt continuously based on your perception and actions. In fact, even in old age, your brain can grow new neurons. Mental stimulation improves your cognitive function and protects your brain against cognitive decline, which can result in age-related memory losses or motor skills. You can keep your brain healthy and fully functioning by incorporating brain stimulating exercises into your daily routine.

Sudoku

Sudoku puzzles are fun and addicting, as well as excellent exercise for the brain.

Sudoku is a numbers game, not a math game. The game is simple: place the numbers in squares and fill all the blank squares in the game with the correct numbers using your logic, reasoning and memory skills. The Sudoku grid is a 9-by-9 square in which every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order, every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order and every 3 by 3 subsection of the square must include all digits 1 through 9. No numbers should cross paths with each other. This cognitive game can be played by children and adults.

Chess

Chess is a fun and strategic game capable of keeping the brain sharp.

Chess is a strategy game that has been played for many decades and is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide at every age and at every skill level. This thinking game is a highly effective way to to keep your brain in shape and healthy, since it is built upon a system of reward and punishment. You must make moves with your pieces to take your opponents without losing them in turn. Attention is critical in chess and can teach you to maintain attention in long-term activities. A lack of attention can punish you and your pieces with a potential checkmate against you.

Scrabble

Use your brain and think of good words to put together to keep your mind healthy and win the game.

Scrabble is fantastic at getting your mind to think of good words with the pieces you have. This game is also a classic like chess and has been played by millions worldwide. This brain game's premise is each player receives letters randomly from a bag. The player must then create a word out of the letters given to him and what is on the board. The bigger or better the word, the more points. Players can build upon their dictionary and keep their brains thinking by playing Scrabble with you and your friends.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles can help you recall past memories to solve the question presented.

Crossword puzzles are a fun way to stimulate your cognitive thinking. These puzzles challenge your language and memory areas. Crossword puzzles are ideal since you can do them daily in the newspaper or online. You can even pick up a magazine full of different crossword puzzles focused on different genres. They also range in difficulty from easy to expert, which can allow you to continuously challenge yourself if you find your current puzzle too easy.

References

• The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain
• Learning Info: Brain Training Exercises
• Brain Metrix: Brain Training
• Sudoku Daily: Instructions
• Chess Sphere: Benefits of Chess

Resources

• Sudoku Daily
• Hasbro: About Scrabble
• Brain Bashers