Did You Know? - 8 Excellent Exercises to Keep Your Brain Sharp and Fresh

September 04, 2019

We care for almost all our body parts, but usually forget about our brain. But the fact is that we cannot do anything without the involvement of brain. So, taking care of brain is our most important duty. Especially as we get old, it becomes extremely essential to exercise the brain to improve focus, memory and everyday functionality. That said, brain exercises can benefit people of all ages. Earth’s Wisdom today wants to introduce some simple brain exercises to readers which they can easily incorporate in their daily life.

1. Develop Your Vocabulary

Did you know that a rich vocabulary not only makes you look smart, but also can form a quick brain-stimulating game? As per the research, many areas of brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, especially the regions that are involved in auditory and visual processing.

You can do a simple cognitive-boosting activity to test this theory:

When you read, keep a notebook with you.
When you come across an unfamiliar word, write it down and then check its definition.
The next day, try to use that word at least five times.

2. Solve Jigsaw Puzzles

Whether it’s a small 100-piece puzzle or a bigger 1000-piece, a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way to sharpen your brain. According to research, jigsaw puzzles hone multiple cognitive abilities and protect the factor for visuospatial cognitive aging. When you put together the pieces, you look at them and figure out where they fit in the bigger picture, which is a great way to exercise your brain.

3. Make Use of All Your Senses

Studies suggest that using all your senses may reinforce your brain. Try activities that induce all five of your senses. E.g. try baking cookies, or try a new place where you can touch, smell, see, hear and taste new things all at the same time.

4. Dance to Your Heart’s Content

As observed by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, learning new dance steps can improve your memory and brain’s processing speed. Here are a few tips for you to start:

Watch an online video of a fun dance and copy the moves
Take a class for salsa, contemporary dance, hip-hop, Zumba or jazz exercise
Get a partner and learn ballroom dance

5. Meditate

You may know that meditating daily can slow down your breathing and thus relax your body and reduce stress and anxiety.

But did you know that it may also improve your brain’s ability to process information and fine-tune your memory?

So, don’t fail to find a quiet place, close your eyes and just meditate for five minutes every day.

6. Incorporate Music in Your Life

You don’t have to learn music for this. Of course, it’s better if you do but you can even listen to the music. Research shows that listening to music helps your brain find innovative solutions more than being in silence. This means that music boosts your brain power and creative thinking.

7. Learn a New Skill

Try learning a new skill and you’ll feel fresh – why? It’s because it’s not only interesting but also helps refresh and strengthen the connections in your brain. Studies have even shown that learning a new skill can improve memory in older adults. There are so many skills you always wanted to learn, but couldn’t. E.g. horseback-riding, use a software program, repair your car, etc. Learn them and keep your brain fresh.

8. Try New Things

If you want to improve your brain power, consider doing your routine things differently every day. E.g. take a different route every day or week to your workplace, or try a different mode of transport, try stairs instead of elevator, or try different shops for your everyday needs. This will make it easy for your brain to open up to new possibilities without any anxiety.

No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start these and other brain exercises. Keep doing new things or find new ways to do things, and your brain’s power will keep improving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a sharp and fresh brain is essential for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. Incorporating regular exercises that challenge your cognitive abilities can help improve brain function, memory retention, and overall mental health.

The eight exercises mentioned in this blog are a great way to get started on the journey towards a healthier brain. From solving puzzles and playing brain games to learning a new skill or language, these exercises can help boost cognitive abilities and keep your mind active and engaged.

However, it is important to note that exercise alone is not enough to maintain a healthy brain. Other factors such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and social interactions also play a crucial role in brain health.

By adopting a holistic approach to brain health and incorporating various strategies, you can improve your cognitive abilities and enhance your overall quality of life. So, whether you are a student, a professional, or a retiree, it is never too late to start exercising your brain and reaping the benefits of a sharp and fresh mind.