Our minds define and control who we are. A sharp and active mind adds to your personality. Just as physical exercise is necessary for keeping our body healthy and physically fit; similarly any form of mind exercise challenges your brain and sharpens thinking level and cognitive abilities. Mind exercises improve brain functions such as memory, concentration, attention span, processing and other brain skills that also help you stay alert and delays or prevents old-age dementia. It is truly said, “it is the mind that makes the man”.
To unlock the full potential of your brain, you need to keep it active and acute. Weave
healthy mind improvement exercises in to your daily routine to challenge your memory and stay sharp.
Crossword puzzles
Crossword puzzles are the most popular brain games that help in strengthening the brain power and strengthening memory. Studies have shown that puzzles stimulate the mind and enhance the brain’s circuitry. Puzzles exercise your brain cells and keep them active. Research has shown that playing crossword or other puzzles on a regular basis reduces the risk of developing Dementia (memory related disorder) in old age. So pick up your daily newspaper and work on that crossword puzzle.
Video games
Several studies have shown that video games increase the efficiency of processing auditory and visual information for better response in the game. They are the most entertaining way to enhance your memory skills. Video games improve your focus and concentration, and boost problem solving ability.
While puzzles and games are the best ways to improve our memory, there are several innovative ways that can prevent shrinking of the brain cells and improve brain cell connections:
Shop without a list
One of the reasons our memory fades with time is because we do not challenge our mind enough. Try going to the store without your grocery list, and try to remember everything that you need to get. Your goal is to find everything without writing it down on paper.
Recall your day activity
When you are ready to go to sleep, go over in your mind what you did that day from the time you got up 'till the time you get into your bed. Try to recall as much detail as possible. Even visualize the activities of the day. This will exercise your mind and strengthen your memory. In the beginning, you may not remember everything in detail, but gradually over a period of time, you will start remembering even the minute details of the day.
Indulge in new activities
Research has shown that trying out new activities pushes our mind to go beyond its comfort zone and learn something new. This keeps your brain focussed on accomplishing new, challenging tasks and strengthens your memory. For example, you can try a different route from your office to home, or play a new sport for couple of weekends in a month.
Read More Often
Studies have shown that reading improves learning and boosts memory. In fact, reading material aloud significantly improves memory of the material and the understanding of the concepts and information.
