You go to a room and forget what you were looking for. You missed an item on your supermarket list and realized only when you got home. You find it hard to concentrate even on the movie you are watching. You think it is time to sharpen your brain, but you need to figure out which activities best achieve that goal. Here we will propose a guide to help you with your selection.
Music in all of its forms
To enhance creativity and help lower stress (which compromises your memory capacity), listening to music is an accessible alternative to mix with any activity you do. Furthermore, dancing is also a great option to challenge both body and mind in a dynamic and fun way. From salsa to hip-hop, there is a large list of dance styles to start trying.
Games: When the fun is also smart
Everything from puzzles to chess will help you sharpen your mental skills. Grab that old jigsaw puzzle you have not used in so long, or take a plunge into Sudokus or crossword puzzles. Mahjong, chess, and card games are also at the top of mental-challenging games, for they demand concentration, memory, and strategy. If you do not have the material game with you, you can also try playing online: not only are these games available, but you can also choose other forms of entertainment. Computer games are not off the table, nor are online casinos allowing you to play fish table games online, among other options like poker, roulette, or slots.
Reading
This mentally-stimulating activity helps you maintain your cognitive abilities in the best shape. It does not have to be only booked: magazines and graphic novels will also do the trick, for they all will engage your brain’s focus and concentration abilities.
Something you did not know before
Learning new things boosts both concentration and the connections your brain produces. You can choose from taking up a new hobby (why not painting, reading, even knitting?) to reaching out to that new language you have always wanted to study but always left for another day. Learning to play a new instrument will also be related to the benefits of music we discussed previously. The options available in every category you choose are diverse enough for you to do a custom-built entertainment project.
Socializing: going out with friends, having conversations, and socializing are activities that make a unique combo that aids your mental concentration and your brain’s focus capacity.
Take care of your body
- Exercise
The balance between mind and body is essential. Doing any kind of sport (from cycling to running, never leaving out the dancing option we have previously named) will highly benefit the chemistry (hormones, blood pressure, cholesterol) in your whole body– even your brain, which becomes more efficient. You should do it a minimum of a few times a week. Indoors, outdoors, alone, or as part of a team: every step counts.
2. Breathe in, breathe out
Tai-chi, yoga, and meditation, among many others, are also beneficial to relax and help your whole body, for they help your brain to remain “activated” without “overheating.”
3. Sleep
Even your phone needs to rest after being used for long periods. Your brain needs from seven to eight daily hours to unplug and process the information you have received during the day. Afterward, this is beneficial to your assertiveness while thinking.
4. A healthy diet
In addition to helping your muscles and blood, eating low-fat, varied food will help you have the best conditions for better brain performance. Try choosing vegetables instead of fries and reduce the amount of sugar and fat. Fish is also an advisable and tasty alternative. Take advantage of eggs and blueberries.
These activities not only help memory but also focus and concentration. They help prevent some mental illnesses, like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Nevertheless, a habit is built daily. Start small in short periods, but make it last for weeks and months. Take your time to disconnect from the everyday rhythm and connect with yourself.
