How Challenging Your Brain Can Lead to a Healthier, Happier You
It’s clear that physical exercise is vital for maintaining our overall health and vitality. But did you know that challenging your brain with mental exercise is just as important? Like your muscles, you need to challenge your brain to stay strong and healthy.
So, let’s learn why & how we should challenge our brains on a regular basis.
CHALLENGING YOUR BRAIN
SPEND TIME TRAINING YOUR BRAIN
Brain training isn’t a new concept. It can help us retain information, recall facts more quickly, and sharpen our focus. Even a brief course of brain exercises can help older adults improve reasoning skills and thought-processing speed for 10 years after the training ends. Now that’s a good return on investment!
Here’s the thing though: You need another thing to do like you need another hole in your head.
Even so, adding just a few deliberate brain exercises to your daily routine can help you reap the benefits of brain training, and it doesn’t have to be another item on your daily to-do list.
THE BENEFITS OF BRAIN TRAINING
It’s a well-known fact that our brains don’t stay the same throughout our lifetimes. In fact, they constantly change in response to our environment and the things we do (or don’t do).
This process, known as neuroplasticity, is why babies’ brains are so sponge-like and why we can learn new things at any age. Neuroplasticity is also why it’s so important to regularly challenge your brain. Neuroplasticity definition
Here are just a few of the benefits of brain training:
- Improved memory and cognitive performance
- Sharper attention and focus
- Lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Increased happiness and life satisfaction
- Decreased anxiety and depression symptoms
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to give your brain the necessary workout it needs.
Here are a few ideas to get you started challenging your brain:
FILL IN THE BLANKS PUZZLE
One excellent way to give your brain a workout is by completing a fill-in-the-blanks puzzle.
These puzzles require you to look at a list of words and then use those words to complete a sentence or phrase. As you do these puzzles, you’ll improve your vocabulary and ability to think creatively.
In addition, you’ll also enhance your problem-solving skills and your memory. What an excellent way to keep your brain sharp!
CROSSWORD PUZZLES
Crossword puzzles are a terrific way to train your brain. They help you to think creatively and spark new ideas. They also help you to remember information better. And they can be a lot of fun!
Here are some tips for getting the most out of crossword puzzles:
- Initially, start with an easy puzzle.
- Second, take your time.
- Next, if you get stuck, don’t give up!
- Last, make it a habit.
CHALLENGING YOUR BRAIN WITH SUDOKU
Sudoku is another excellent puzzle for challenging your brain. It requires logical thinking and problem-solving skills and can help improve your memory and concentration.
The purpose of Sudoku is to correctly insert numbers into a 9×9 grid so that every row, column, and 3×3 section contains all digits from 1-9.
As you solve more and more Sudoku puzzles, you will notice that your brain starts to work more efficiently, and you will be able to solve them faster and with less effort.
BRAIN TEASERS
Brain teasers are a fun way to get your brain thinking creatively.
So how does it work?
Essentially, brain teasers force your brain to think in new and different ways. This helps exercise your mental muscles and can eventually improve cognitive function.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should spend all day solving puzzles – like any form of exercise, moderation is key. But incorporating a few brain teasers into your daily routine can help keep your mind sharp.
LOGIC PUZZLES
Logic puzzles are a great way to improve your problem-solving skills. They often involve a series of clues that you have to use to figure out the solution to a puzzle. And the more you do, the better you’ll get at solving them.
MEMORY GAMES
Memory games are a great way to improve your memory and concentration. There are numerous memory games, but the fundamental idea is always the same: you need to remember a series of items in an order.
As you play these games, you will notice that your memory will start to improve. In addition, you’ll also find that you’re able to focus and concentrate better.
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE OR INSTRUMENT
So, you’re not into puzzles I get it. What about learning a new language or instrument to keep challenging your brain?
Learning a new language provides a good workout in the brain gym. A new language means a new system of structures, rules, and patterns that your brain needs to cope with. And the more your brain has to cope the harder it has to work.
Similarly, learning to play an instrument keeps challenging our brains to memorize patterns and notes. All this memorizing increases our brain activity and is a really good way for adults to keep their grey matter evolving.
CHALLENGING YOUR BRAIN, THE BOTTOM LINE
As you can see, there are many good reasons to ensure you’re regularly challenging your brain.
Fortunately, there are lots of fun ways to do this – from doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku to learning a new language or instrument.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising your mind by challenging your brain today!
Source – Google
If this post makes you want to learn more about how to improve your well-being, check out our clean eating post. This post covers the best “clean foods” to add to your diet.
Till next time from the Wills Wellness Committee.
