Having bad memory can be quite frustrating. Experiencing bad memory can happen at any age therefore, it’s important to learn about the difference between normal and serious memory problem.
A huge emphasis is usually placed on the benefits of physical fitness and exercises one needs to keep up with, in order to obtain good health. However, exercising your brain is also as equally important to ensure that your brain is in good shape to improve your memory.
Let’s take a look at some brain exercises you can introduce to improve your memory:
Build a puzzle
Whether you are putting together a puzzle that is 100 pieces or 1000 pieces, the bottom line is that working on a puzzle is a great way to strengthen your brain.
According to a study by the National Library of Medicine on Jigsaw Puzzling Taps Multiple Cognitive Abilities and Is a Potential Protective Factor for Cognitive Aging, jigsaw puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging.
This means that when putting together a puzzle you exercise different parts of your brain which is a great challenge for your brain to improve its memory.
Play some cards
Yep, a simple game of cards can improve your memory and thinking skills.
According to research, a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in several regions of the brain.
Some card games you can try are:
- poker
- hearts
- crazy eights
- Uno
Build your vocabulary
Not only does a rich vocabulary make you sound super smart, but improving your vocabulary also works as stimulation for the brain.
Healthline suggests you try this cognitive-boosting activity:
- Keep a notebook with you when you read
- Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition
- Try to use that word five times the next day
Bust a move on the dance floor
According to Healthline, learning new dance moves can increase your brain’s processing speed and memory.
Give one of these dance activities a try to improve your brain memory:
- Take a salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance class
- Try a Zumba or jazz exercise class
- Watch an online video with fun dance moves you’ve always wanted to learn
- Grab a partner and learn ballroom dancing
- Gather your friends and go line dancing
Meditate
According to a study done by the Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health on Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know, meditating may help with your memory and increase your brain’s ability to process information.
It is recommended that daily, you take five minutes to just close your eyes in a quiet spot and meditate.
Also see: Does exercising before bed affect your sleeping pattern?
