Improve Your Memory: 5 Brain & Memory Activities for Cognitive Health (No. 3 May Surprise You) Activities

Whether people want to improve their brain health and memory after sustaining a head injury or purely want to test their cognitive skills, memory activities are a great way to stimulate mental fitness and may improve brain health.

Our experts have revealed a top five list of brain training and memory improvement activities that offer players a wide range of cognitive benefits!

1. Jigsaw Puzzles

The benefit of puzzles is that they are available for all ages. Whether you're 5 or 55, there are plenty of puzzles and jigsaw games on the market that will test your brain cells and may improve mental speed. Both physical and online puzzles are mentally stimulating and can also help increase concentration and attention levels while working to enhance positive moods. Puzzles are also an incredible way to reduce stress and reduce anxiety, so they are a perfect option for those suffering from these problems.

2. Card Games

Card games might seem like an obvious option, but are often forgotten about. Card games are the perfect way to work on improving problem-solving and strategy building. Alongside delaying and preventing memory decline like puzzles, card games are also great for people who may struggle with social anxiety. They keep you socially active as many games require more than one player and help improve basic math skills.

3. Knitting

Contrary to popular belief, knitting is not only for the elderly! Knitting is a great way to keep all brain parts active and engaged. The calming act of knitting may help reduce anxiety, has fantastic benefits like eliminating emotional stress, and is a great way to distract from pain. Not only does knitting allow a great sense of achievement when the project is finished, but it's also a great way to increase dopamine and serotonin, which promote the body's happy hormones.

4. Chess

Chess is the perfect way to challenge the mind and keep critical thinking at the forefront of the brain. The ancient game may help to develop pattern recognition, analytical thinking, exercise logic and improve memory. For centuries, chess has been an impressive game to master, which is why the beloved game has seen many world champions over the years. Albert Einstein was known to be an expert at the game, just like his best friend Emanuel Lasker, who held the world title for 27 years, the longest reign of any world champion.

5. Online Apps and Websites

In this day and age where we are glued to technology and our phones, it is common for our minds to stay inactive and unengaged with all our hours of mindless scrolling, which is why brain training apps are perfect for every day use by their ease of accessibility. Many apps and websites are available for Android and Apple users, so finding one that suits you will be easy. Some of the most popular ones for brain training are SolitaireBliss, Lumosity, Elevate, CogniFit and NeuroNation.

“Not only are all these braining training activities beneficial by engaging cognitive skills, but they can help to prevent the early onset and reduce progression rates of Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory-affecting diseases," says a spokesperson from SolitaireBliss. "The benefits of taking part in any of these activities will keep your brain happy, healthy and engaged and give you the opportunity to learn a new skill and increase your social skills simultaneously!”

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