Train Your Brain: How to Build Your Best Brain Workout

You’ve probably heard that doing crossword puzzles, playing Sudoku, and even nutrition (check out the new best seller Grain Brain by renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD) can play a role in keeping your memory and cognitive functions running smoothly. Just like your body, you need to train your brain. Your brain benefits from cross training. Recent research shows our brains continue making new neurons throughout our lives in response to mental activity, regardless of age. So mix it up! Creating a well-rounded brain fitness program that impacts different areas of the brain can combat the effects of aging. Brain exercises may take only a few minutes, but the benefits are lifelong!

Here are some tools you can use to train your brain and build your best brain workout.

Game On! Computer and Video Games

Playing computer games balances left- and right-brain activity. Try strategy games at Free Brain Games, or visit Games for the Brain which offers loads of free cognition and memory improvement games including Chinese Checkers, Mahjongg and Masterpieces.

Playing against a computer can be fun, but playing with others is, too. Plus, being socially engaged boosts general cognitive function. If you’ve got young grandchildren check out Grandparent Games, a cool site where you can play age-appropriate games with your grandchild through a video and voice connection.

Consider getting a gaming system like an X-Box One, PlayStation 4 or a Nintendo Wii U! Although violent video games have gotten a lot of bad press, there are proven cognitive benefits that come from playing non-violent video games, including greater creativity, multitasking, faster decision making and improved hand-eye coordination. You can play on your own, or participate in a live version with friends or older grandchildren. (Way to be the “cool” grandparent!) Some great games to get you started include:

• Portal 2

• Minecraft

• Braid

• World of Goo

• Batman: Arkham City (contains a little violence, but you don’t kill anyone!)

Aim to play for not more than 20 minutes a day, otherwise the benefits diminish.

Brain Gym ®

Brain Gym ® exercises were developed by professional educator and kinesiologist Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D., and his wife Gail. Performing Brain Gym ® exercises involves moving your body in specific ways to maximize brain function. Doing them may slow down or even reverse some effects of aging like lack of concentration, poor recall, and the apparent inability to learn new material. Brain Gym® exercises don’t take long.

Be a Dreamer

Finally an excuse! A University of British Columbia study found that when we daydream, we’re actually doing a lateral medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulated cortex workout. (Translation: daydreaming fosters creativity and improves problem solving.) Burst into song if you feel like it, too. Singing taps into your right brain which excels at pattern recognition, further enhancing your problem-solving skills.

Neurobics

You’ve heard of “Aerobics,” but how about “Neurobics”? The term was invented by Lawrence C. Katz, PhD., professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center and author Manning Rubin. They co-authored the book, Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness. Dr. Katz claims that by participating in non-routine actions, unexpected experiences, and involving your five senses in new ways, you increase connections between different areas of the brain.

Neurobic activities should do one or more of the following:

• Involve one or more of your senses in a new context.

  • Example: Smell new odors in the morning to “wake up” your brain.

• Involve your full attention, at least briefly.

  • Example: Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand.

• Break your routine in some significant way.

  • Example: Go to a new park, or find a new route to a familiar destination.

Full-brain Workouts

For an all-in-one approach, try a site like Brain Metrix which offers brain teasers, puzzles and tests designed to improve visual memory, spatial intelligence, concentration and more. Play their concentration-improving Color Game. It only takes 24 seconds to play, and can be a little addicting. So play responsibly! For other tips on improving concentration visit health Ambition website and read How to Improve Concentration and Focus in Your Life.

Stretch and stimulate your brain by subscribing to the renowned brain training website Luminosity, and take advantage of their extensive research in neuroplasticity and enhancing human cognition. You can build a personalized program based on the areas of your brain you want to train.

At the 2012 Cognitive Neuroscience Society Conference, Dr. Kacey Ballard of Luminosity’s Human Cognition Project presented her findings which showed the significant memory improvement of an average 74-year old after playing only 25 rounds of a memory match game.

In a clear reversal of what was previously believed about the aging brain, it’s clear that through training, brain performance can improve at any age, and that “older and wiser” can be a reality.

What tools do you use to keep your brain fit?

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