Mentally sharpen your brain with these exercises

In every aspect of our lives, the brain plays a role, so it too needs to be taken care of.

As people get older, improving memory, focus, or daily functions is a top priority for many people. People of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily lives, which this article explores in more detail.

Brain exercises

No matter what your age, there are many ways to increase your mental sharpness and keep your brain healthy. By doing brain exercises that boost your memory, concentration, and focus, you can make daily tasks easier and quicker, and keep your brain sharp as you age.

Let's take a closer look at 13 evidence-based exercises that are proven to boost brain function.

1. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle

Working on a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to strengthen your brain, regardless of whether you're assembling 1,000 pieces of the Eiffel Tower or 100 pieces of Mickey Mouse.

Jigsaw puzzles recruit multiple cognitive abilities and are protective against the effects of visuo-spatial cognitive aging, according to research from The Trusted Source. When putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you have to consider the different pieces and realize how they fit together. This can be an enjoyable and challenging activity.

2. Try your hand at cards

How long has it been since you last played cards? Study results reveal that a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in several brain regions, according to researchers at 2015Trusted Source. According to the same study, playing cards can also improve memory and problem-solving skills.

Try learning one of these tried-and-true card games:

solitaire
bridge
gin rummy
poker
hearts
crazy eights

3. Build your vocabulary

to sound smart. What if a quick vocab lesson could also be turned into a stimulating brain game?

A lot more brain areas are involved in vocabulary tasks, especially in areas that are involved in visual and auditory processing. Check out this cognitive-boosting activity to prove this hypothesis:

Read with a notebook.
Note down one unfamiliar word, and then look it up online.
The next day, use that word five times.

4. Dance your heart out

Learning new dance moves can enhance your brain's speed and memory, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Simply put, bust a move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you.

Want to see for yourself? Try these dance activities:

Learn salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance.
Attend Zumba or jazz fitness classes.
Take a look at an online video with dance moves you've always wanted to learn.
Learn ballroom dancing with your partner.
Line dance with your friends.

5. Use all your senses

A 2015 study published by Trusted Source suggests that using all of your senses can strengthen your brain.

Engage all five of your senses simultaneously to work both your senses and your brain. Try baking cookies, visiting a farmer's market, or trying a new restaurant while you smell, touch, taste, see, and hear everything at the same time.

6. Learn a new skill

In addition to being fun and interesting, learning a new skill can also help strengthen your brain connections.

2014Trusted Source research shows that learning a new skill can improve memory function in older adults.

Would you like to learn something new? Interested in learning how to fix your car, use a particular software program, or ride a horse? Here is another reason to learn it.

7. Teach a new skill to someone else

Teaching a skill to another person is a great way to expand your knowledge.

It is important to practice the new skill after you have learned it. When you teach it to someone else, you must explain the concept and correct any mistakes. Take golf lessons, then teach a friend how to swing the club.

8. Listen to or play music

Can you think of an easy way to boost your creativity? Turn on some music.

According to a 2017 studyTrusted Source, listening to happy tunes helps generate more creative solutions than being silent. You can boost your creativity and brain power by playing some feel-good music.

You can learn new skills at any point in your life, so if you want to learn how to play music, now is the right time to start. You're never too old to play an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even the drums.

9. Take a new route

When it comes to your daily tasks, don't get stuck in a rut. Keep trying new ways to accomplish the same tasks.

Try a new route or mode of transportation each week, such as biking or taking public transportation instead of driving. By making this simple change, you can help your brain, and you might be surprised at how easily you can change your thinking.

10. Meditate

The benefits of daily meditation include calming your body, reducing stress and anxiety, and slowing your breathing.

Did you know that it can also improve your memory and increase your brain's ability to process information?

Spend five minutes each day meditating.

11. Learn a new language

As per a review of research conducted by Trusted Source in 2012, speaking more than one language has overwhelmingly proven to have cognitive benefits.

Numerous studies have shown that bilingualism can benefit memory, visual-spatial skills, and creativity. You may also be able to switch easily between different tasks if you are fluent in more than one language, and it may delay the onset of cognitive decline with age.

It's never too late to learn a new language and reap its benefits. Studying a new language at any time in your life can boost your memory and improve other mental functions, say researchers.

12. Take up tai chi

There is no doubt that tai chi can benefit your health in many ways, including your mental health. It can also help you center yourself when life feels out of balance.

Regularly practicing tai chi can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance memory. According to a 2013 study by Trusted Source, long-term tai chi practice can increase brain volume by altering brain structure.

Taking a class is the best way to learn the movements. However, once you learn the basics, you'll be able to practice tai chi wherever you are.

13. Focus on another person

Take note of four things about someone the next time you interact with them. Perhaps you notice the color of their shirt or pants. Do they wear glasses? Are they wearing a hat, and if so, what kind is it? And what color is their hair?

Once you have a list of four things to remember, jot them down and come back to them later in the day. Recall the details of those four points.

The bottom line

You can improve your concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility by focusing on your brain health, no matter your age.

You'll be able to challenge your mind, improve your cognitive skills, and learn something new and enriching along the way, if you incorporate brain exercises into your everyday life.