Brain exercise is often seen as a school-age activity designed to help children improve their academic performance in school. However, brain exercises can benefit people of all ages to ensure proper brain functions and prevent senile dementia in old age.
What are some activities that can help you improve your brain's performance? Check out the following review.
Activity options to improve brain performance
Exercise
Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also improves your mood and keeps your brain from aging. According to one study, exercise can help protect the brain from shrinking as we age. Researchers also discovered that exercise could boost neurogenesis, or the formation of new brain cells, in the hippocampus of the brain.
Learn new skills
Learning new skills not only enhances your abilities but also helps your brain develop. According to research conducted in 2014, learning new skills can help adults improve their memory function. Activities you can try include:
- Learning how to cook
- Learning a musical instrument
- Learning a foreign language
- Taking up a new sport
Visualization exercises
Visualization exercises do not always have to be in the form of pictures. Drawing maps or other images from memory has been shown to activate memory-related areas of the brain. Start by sketching a route from your home to the supermarket or office. The more detailed the map you create, the better.
If you don't have a pencil and paper, you can plan your activities in advance. Like drawing, the more detailed the situation you imagine, the better.
Use the non-dominant hand
Using your non-dominant hand can help strengthen your brain. If you typically write with your right hand, try drawing or writing with your left. Choose activities that do not require sharp objects, such as knives.
Play puzzles
Puzzles, whether in the form of jigsaw puzzles, number puzzles, or letter puzzles, not only improve problem-solving abilities but also train perception, memory, logic, and general skills. According to one study, puzzles can improve cognitive function when played or solved on a regular basis.
Puzzles, whether jigsaw puzzles, number puzzles, or word puzzles, not only improve problem-solving abilities but also train perception, memory, logic, and general skills. According to one study, puzzles can improve cognitive function when played or solved regularly. Games you can play include:
- Sudoku
- Crossword
- Chess
- Guessing game
Playing cards
Playing cards can be a great way to stimulate the brain and improve memory. According to a 2015 study, card games can increase brain volume in certain areas of the brain and improve cognitive abilities. You can play solitaire, memory cards, poker, and bridge.
Dance
Dancing not only improves physical abilities but also helps with memory, planning, and organization. Dancing is an exercise that enhances rhythm and balance.
Socialize
Daily activities like socializing can help improve brain performance. According to research published in 2019, people who socialize frequently have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Socializing can help you gain insight by engaging in discussions, playing group games, or participating in team sports.
Meditation
Many people believe brain training can only be achieved through problem-solving or playing challenging games. However, meditation is one of the most effective ways to improve brain performance. Studies have shown that meditation improves focus and self-control, slows the aging process, and enhances the brain's information-processing ability.
Brain-boosting activities can be done every day, whether you're alone or with friends. There are numerous activities you can engage in to improve your concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility, regardless of your age.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Cherry, K. (2023). 7 Brain Exercises to Strengthen Your Mind. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-exercises-to-strengthen-your-mind-2795039
Johnson, J. (2023). 22 brain exercises to improve memory, cognition, and creativity. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-exercises
Lindberg, S. (2023). 13 Brain Exercises to Help Keep You Mentally Sharp. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/brain-exercises