There is a lot of attention around workouts these days, but most of the focus is on physical health. What often gets overlooked is that your brain needs regular exercise, too. This may come as a surprise to many. But, just like lifting weights strengthens your muscles, your brain needs workouts to sharpen focus and boost memory. Brain exercises are crucial for maintaining and improving cognitive functions. Regular mental stimulation can enhance concentration, improve memory retention, and even help prevent cognitive decline associated with aging. Here are 3 science-backed effects of brain exercises to boost focus and memory.
1. Meditation
People often tend to overlook the importance of meditation on body and mind. Meditation involves focusing the mind and staying present. This practice strengthens the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are brain regions linked with attention and memory. Regular meditation can improve attention span and reduce stress, which supports better memory. Somestudiessuggest that meditation may benefit the brain by affecting its structure or how it functions. However, more research is necessary to confirm its action. You can dedicate 10-20 minutes daily to meditation. Choose a quiet space, and focus on your breath or a mantra. When your mind wanders, gently refocus. If you are a beginner, you can also rely on certain apps to guide you through meditation.
2. Games and puzzles
Games and puzzles that challenge the brain can improve memory and boost focus. Puzzles that push your problem-solving skills can strengthen neural connections. Activities like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or memory card games are linked with short-term memory enhancement and cognitive flexibility. These games train your brain to process and recall information efficiently. A 2021 study found that brain training games can help manage age-related cognitive decline in older people. You can keep some time aside, either in the morning or evening every day, for a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or a memory card game. Certain online platforms or puzzle books can also help you in this practice.
3. Learn a new language or skill
Your brain loves new things. Novelty challenges the brain. Learning something new, such as a language or musical instrument, forces the brain to process and store new information. This practice will create fresh neural pathways. A 2014 study in older adults found that learning a new and cognitively demanding skill, such as quilting or photography, boosted their memory.
Similarly, another 2019 review found that bilingualism, the ability to speak two languages, significantly increases and strengthens the connectivity between different areas in the brain. This can delay and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and several other forms of dementia. You can seek the help of language training apps or enroll in a course, or pick up an instrument. Even 15-30 minutes daily and consistent practice can yield significant results.
4. How does yoga help
Practising yoga every day, even for 15 minutes, can help a person improve their brain power and increase memory.
5. Food for the brain
Also, eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Cut back on sugar and processed foods.
6. Stay away from fried food
It is important to keep ultra-processed and sugary foods at bay for mental clarity.
