Sure, we know how important it is to keep our bodies healthy, but one major organ tends to get overlooked: our brain! One way to keep our minds in tip-top shape is through brain games that increase focus and memory. Growing research has found that while brain games can’t prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, they can help to slow or delay them. And, much like physical exercise, consistency is key. Brain games should be played 4-5 five times a week for 30 minutes each time. Here are some of the best games for your brain.
Scrabble
Not only does this game improve your vocabulary, but with an entire dictionary’s worth of possibilities, you can play it again and again.
Sagrada
The goal of this colorful dice game is to construct a stained-glass window while carefully following some restrictions. Trust us, this game takes some big brain energy, but it’s so fun you hardly notice.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles exercise both sides of your brain, requiring both logic and creativity. Plus, you can buy puzzles that align with the things you love, like your favorite books, movies, or artists.
Crossword Puzzles
Crosswords require the wheels up there to turn. Luckily, if it’s been a while since you’ve messed with a crossword puzzle, you can find books for beginners, then work your way up to the more advanced puzzles.
Creative Hobbies
If you don’t enjoy puzzles, there are other things you can do to keep your brain healthy, including painting, photography, writing, playing music, knitting, reading, meditating, gardening, cooking, coloring, journaling, learning a new language, and sewing.
Chess
Chess is the ultimate game of strategy. You can play chess online or, better yet, have a board set up at home so you always have the option to challenge someone to a match.
Wordle
You may have seen someone you know on Facebook sharing their Wordle achievements. This newly addictive word game from the New York Times presents a different five-letter word to solve every day. You have six chances to guess the word.
Other Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy
Aside from playing brain games to keep your mind sharp, there are a lot of other things you can do to keep your brain healthy such as:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
- Caring for your emotional health
- Staying social
- Quitting smoking
What are some of your favorite brain games? Share them with us in the comments below!