When you think of brain exercise, do you think of hard work and intense concentration or do you think of creative play? While there are plenty of intense ways to exercise your brain, there are also countless fun, sociable, meditative, and pleasant activities that can help keep you mentally sharp. Take a look below at the following 6 brain exercises that you’re likely to enjoy so much you forget they’re exercises at all. 

1. The Alphabet Game

Choose a theme, such as dog breeds, vegetables, or songs. Name one that begins with the letter A, then move on to the letter B, then C, and so on.  This can be done alone or alternating with another player. This game improves not only memory capacity but also other brain functions such as attention and concentration. 

2. Spot it!

Each of the 55 cards in this round deck contains 8 images of varying size and color.  Every card has at least one match to every other card.  All variations of the games played with this deck involve quickly searching for matching images before any of your opponents get to them first. Spot It! improves processing speed, reaction time, and visual recognition skills. It is best played in groups of three or more. 

3. Crossword puzzles

Crossword puzzles improve memory, focus, and executive functioning. They also help delay the onset of dementia by 2.5 years or more and slow the build-up of amyloid plaque, which causes Alzheimer’s symptoms. When your crosswords puzzles become too easy, they don’t help the brain as much, but increasing the difficulty level will help provide the needed boost your brain needs to stay sharp. 

4. Word search puzzles

Although they seem simple, word search puzzles provide a great brain exercise. The player holds in their mind the individual word’s length and spelling while also searching for the letter clues that lead to its hidden location in the puzzle. Word search puzzles help sharpen reasoning skills, retain and enhance cognitive skills, hone visual and spatial acuity, and help delay the onset of neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They also help to boost dopamine, the feel-good hormone. As with crossword puzzles, it’s important to level up when the word searches become easy in order to receive the maximum brain boosting benefits. 

5. Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun way to unwind and let go of the day’s stresses. As meditative as they are, however, they are also a wonderful exercise for the brain. Jigsaw puzzles engage both the logical and the creative sides of the brain. They improve problem-solving skills, attention span, visual-spatial reasoning, mental speed, and short-term memory. Jigsaw puzzles allow for quiet contemplation when done alone or social connection when done collaboratively with others. 

6. The Suitcase Game

Another fun game done with a group of people, the Suitcase Game begins with one person naming an item they’re going to pack in their suitcase for a fantasy vacation. For example, “I’m going to pack socks.” The next person repeats what the first person said and then adds their own item. “I’m going to pack socks and a swimsuit.” The next person and the next repeat what’s been said before and then add their own items.  The Suitcase Game is a great game that involves active listening, short-term memory retention, and quick creative decision-making. It’s also a great way to connect socially with others. 

Dementia Care at Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, CA

If you or someone you love is showing signs of dementia, they may benefit from a stay in our dementia care center, where occupational therapists help address the challenges that interfere with a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and provide a treatment plan to overcome them. They’ll provide exercises and adaptive equipment aimed at maximizing functional independence and quality of life. Our goal is to provide patients with a safe, nurturing environment and customized rehabilitation programs that help patients return to independent living as soon as possible. For more information on our 5-Star skilled nursing facility and the rehabilitative services we offer, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.