by Caitlin H,
May 8, 2023
Creating a healthy lifestyle is about many things. It’s about a consistent diet with balanced nutrition. It’s about staying active and exercising. It’s about ensuring your mental well-being. And it’s about keeping your brain active and engaged.
Several studies show that obesity in your 40s and older can increase your risk of dementia. That means joining a weight loss program like Diet-to-Go may help prevent it later in life.*
In addition, activities that promote brain training may also help stave off memory loss later in life. Several studies showcase the benefits of exercising the mind, including one the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute for Nursing Research funded that found that adults age 65 and older who engaged in weekly brain training sessions showed improved memory, reasoning, and information processing.
That’s why we created a list of seven fun brain training activities you can do weekly (or daily!) to keep your mind sharp, engaged, and present in the moment.
1) Sign up for an online class.
Learning something new is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. The sky’s the limit when it comes to getting an education about something that interests you. YouTube videos can show you things like the basics of learning a musical instrument, while apps can give you the basics of learning a second language. Websites like Skillshare, Domestika, and Craftsy offer online sessions for almost everything. There truly is something for everyone. All you have to do is go out and find it!
2) Play board games.
Board games are a ton of fun. They’re an excellent activity to do with family and friends, helping build social connections (another essential brain-building element). Trying new games will activate new areas of your mind as you try to guess the trivia answer, build your empire, get the best hand, or solve complex problems for the win!
3) Put together a puzzle.
Progress Lifeline points out that solving a puzzle “reinforces connections between brain cells, improves mental speed, and is an effective way to improve short-term memory.” They also are a fun, relaxing activity that keeps you engaged in the present moment. Plus, there’s something special about the feeling you get when you place that last piece of an especially challenging puzzle and relish in the final product.
4) Turn on a video game.
If binging on your favorite TV shows or kicking back with a movie is among your favorite activities, why not kick that screen-staring up a notch with a video game? Video games allow you to instantly enter an alternate reality, solve a problem, test your memory and keep your fine motor skills sharp. There’s no limit to the kinds of video games you can play. And, if you’re feeling extra feisty, you can play with others online or even try virtual reality!
5) Write in a journal.
Daily journaling has numerous benefits, including maintaining memory (you have to write down the day’s events, after all!), tracking and achieving goals, enhancing critical thinking skills and boosting your emotional well-being, to name a few. Take 10 minutes at the end of each day to jot down your thoughts. Your brain will thank you!
6) Download a crossword puzzle, word search or Sudoku app.
Your Smartphone gives you brain exercise activities at the touch of your fingers. So, take advantage of them. App stores are loaded with tons of free apps where you can do crossword puzzles, find words in a word search, or play other popular puzzle games like Soduko.
7) Read a book a month.
It’s easy to get caught up in technology these days. But reading a good ‘ole fashioned book is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. Reading can provide a healthy escape from reality that simultaneously builds your language cognizance and improves your memory. You can also join a local book club and make it a social activity for an extra brain boost!
Bottom line: Taking care of your mind through brain exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Try one (or more!) of these activities to ensure you’re at your top thinking potential for the rest of your life.
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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager
Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.
