Our brains are the reason for everything we do, and just like any other part of our body, deserve to be healthy. Exercising the brain to improve your memory, focus, and daily functioning should be the top priority, especially as we get older. There are many brain exercises that you can do to keep your mind sharp, most being fairly easy, depending on your cognitive abilities.
As one of the leading post-acute facilities in southern California, South Coast Post Acute offers premiere memory care services. We work closely with our patients to ensure their minds and bodies are healthy. Read our article below to learn about some of the brain exercises you should consider taking part in.
Jigsaw Puzzles are Shown to Stimulate the Mind
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking on a 1,000-piece puzzle or one that’s 100 pieces, putting together a puzzle is an excellent way to strengthen your brain. In fact, research has shown that jigsaws use a number of cognitive abilities and offer protection for visual-spatial cognitive aging. This is because when you’re putting together a puzzle, you have to look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture.
Up for a Game of Cards?
Another brain exercise that can help strengthen your mind is card games. A study from 2015 found that card games are mentally stimulating for adults as it helps stimulate several regions of the brain. Moreover, the same study found that a game of cards could improve memory and thinking skills. Some games to consider are:
- Solitaire
- Bridge
- Gin rummy
- Poker
- Hearts
- Crazy eights
Build Your Vocabulary with Brain Exercises
A rich vocabulary not only helps you seem smart, but it helps your brain as well. According to Healthline, learning words and phrases can help boost your cognitive abilities. This is due to more regions of the brain being involved in vocabulary tasks, especially those that are important for visual and auditory processing. They suggest that you:
- Keep a notebook with you when you read
- Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition
- Try to use that word five times the next day
Dancing Makes for Great Brain Exercises and Physical Exercises
Not only is dancing good for your heart and physical health, but it’s also great for your mind. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain’s processing speed and memory. This is because dancing involves learning and remembering how to move in a sequence and coordinate with your partner (when applicable).
Meditating is a Relaxing Brain Exercise
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research suggests that meditation may benefit the brain by slowing brain aging and increasing the brain’s ability to process information. This is because meditation generally involves focusing attention in a calm, controlled way. If you’ve never partaken in meditation, you should give it a try in calming places like your home, garden, park, or wherever you feel most at peace.
Socializing is a Great Way to Stimulate Your Mind
Another brain exercise you can do is simply just being in good company. A study from 2019 found that people with more frequent social contact were less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia. This is due to it being a very mentally engaging leisure activity. Social activities may include:
- having discussions
- playing games
- participating in social sports
South Coast Post Acute Offers First-Class Memory Care
South Coast Post Acute is one of southern California’s top-tier post-acute facilities with a specialty in memory care. Our memory care services are designed to engage patients who are experiencing trouble with their cognitive abilities. Additionally, we’re able to help patients recover from serious injuries that may have affected their brain function. To achieve this, we focus on three aspects of care: diet, customized medications, and effective care techniques.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.