Your brain is always functioning, but sometimes, you need a mental boost. Fortunately, you can find a range of activities to help improve your cognitive health, from playing games to learning a new skill. The best part is that you do not need to break the bank to engage in these activities.
1. Memory Card Games
Do you remember the card game that involved turning all the cards face down and turning over two at a time until you find a match? Now is a great time to play that game again. Remembering where certain cards are helps to improve your short-term memory. In addition to playing with traditional cards, you can play through free apps and video games. You can also find memory card games that involve remembering a sequence rather than the location of matching cards.
2. Sudoku
The object of a Sudoku puzzle is to fill a nine-by-nine grid with numbers to ensure each row, column, and subgrid contains all the numbers from one to nine. Each number is only used once per group. Practicing a Sudoku puzzle benefits the frontal part of the brain, boosting your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. While you can practice Sudoku through free apps and websites, you can also find traditional Sudoku books at affordable prices.
3. Language Class
Learning a new language strengthens different brain areas, including the left frontal lobe and left temporal lobe. This activity also improves your focus, memory, and ability to multitask. Remembering a new language is also beneficial for job opportunities, traveling, and connecting with others. You can find apps, websites, and videos to help you learn a new language for free.
4. Jigsaw Puzzles
What better way to improve your cognitive health than with jigsaw puzzles? Putting together a jigsaw puzzle enhances memory, mental rotation, and perception. You need to remember where certain pieces fit, especially if they are not ready to be placed on the puzzle. Furthermore, your brain processes the image of the completed puzzle on the box, which may be used as a guide.
5. Hobbies
Learning a new hobby, such as knitting, gardening, and reading, exercises various brain areas. For example, your brain uses mental and physical skills for hand-eye coordination, which is essential for knitting, drawing, painting, and gardening. In addition, you need to retain information such as knitting patterns, gardening tips, and story plots.
6. Meditation
Meditation is used to calm your mind by sitting in a quiet area, paying attention to your breathing, and focusing on a mantra or object. The benefits include improved memory, better focus, and decreased aging. It is also easier to learn new skills or information after meditating. You can find free apps, videos, and podcasts to help you get started on meditation.
7. Sleep
One of the best ways to improve your cognitive health is to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep allows both your body and mind to recharge, which is why sleepless nights usually lead to fatigue, lack of focus, and irritability. Quality sleep enhances your memory, concentration, metabolism, and overall mood. It is essential to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Your sleep environment should be cool, dark, and comfortable, and you want to shut off the screens at least two hours before bedtime.
Improving your cognitive health never has to be boring. With activities such as games and puzzles, keeping your mind sharp is fun. Furthermore, learning a new language or hobby strengthens your brain’s ability to retain information while adding more excitement to your life. Finally, meditation and sleep are important for both your mental and physical health.
You do not need to wait until you are aging to improve your cognitive health. Starting early helps to slow down brain deterioration and even the effects of dementia. Whether you want to engage in a fun activity or improve your sleep, you can easily boost your cognitive function.
Image courtesy:
Unsplash, Alan De La Cruz
