Our brains: we often take them for granted. Our brains are very powerful. Unfortunately, how well do you take care of yourself? We exercise our bodies but never our minds. We often neglect our brains. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s and Dementia begin to develop as early as thirty years old! Isn’t that crazy? Here are some tips and benefits on ways to make your brain strong and sharp.
- Reading, Ah, yes, the most common ways to work out our brains. Reading has shown to sharpen our brains. Benefits of reading include improvement of memory, developing an advanced vocabulary, increased creativity, and slowing down the cognitive (thinking, reasoning, and remembering) decline. Reading can open your mind to worlds you didn’t think existed while strengthening your brain.
- Puzzle Games. This can range from crosswords, word searches, and actual puzzles. All of these improves your memory, improves problem-solving skills, increases your knowledge of trivia, and enhances your reasoning skills. You can get these books at stores and Barnes and Noble or you can download apps. These apps include Uncrossed, Wordscapes, and Jigsaw Puzzle.
- Learn a new language. This one is a tricky one considering the older you get, the harder it is to learn a new language. Learning a new language improves memory, strengthens the ability to multi-task, and keeps the mind sharper for a loner time. You can take a class, watch tv shows or movies in a different language, or download apps (one being Duolingo. Although the app helps, it’s better to take a class).
- Learn to play chess. With the popular Netflix show “The Queen’s Gambit” more people are learning to play chess. Playing chess improves memory, increases intelligence, reduces the development of Dementia, and develops perspective. Chess was used to strategize that dates back as far as 1,500 years ago. Ask someone you know who plays chess to teach you. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually fun!
- Learn to play an instrument. Learning to play an instrument can be difficult but a rewarding experience. Playing an instrument improves memory, increases creativity, and uses every part of your brain. The earlier you learn an instrument, the better. However, it’s never too late to learn! You can take a class or if you have the resources, take private lessons. You never know what can happen!
- Learn a new skill. This can be anything! From cooking to taking a dance class to learning to draw, you’re never too old to learn something new. Learning a new skill improves memory, increases learning speed, and can ward off Dementia. On top of all of that, you become more interesting and fight off boredom.
I hope all of these tips help you or someone you know. Knowledge is power! The know you more, the better. Never stop learning and trying something new. Life is all about learning and becoming the best versions of ourselves. Let’s take time to exercise our minds!
