Getting healthier isn’t just about breaking a sweat and losing a few pounds. A big key to being healthy is to have a healthy mind.
Your brain controls everything your body does, everybody knows that. But what some people forget is that your brain can get tired and worn out as you get older. Keeping your brain exercised keeps it in tip top shape and can help prevent you getting mental health issues such as dementia later in life. It’s not hard to get your brain in gear, and with this guide I’ll give you a few tips on how to keep your brain in shape.
1. Crosswords and Word Searches
Science has proved that ‘A crossword a day keeps memory loss at bay’. When completing crosswords, you have to guess what word you are looking for, and also think of words that fit into the amount of squares given. Crosswords usually tend to throw in a few words that aren’t that well-known, and this increases your vocabulary. I would strongly advise trying out crosswords, as they are challenging but also can be quite enjoyable. Crosswords can be found in newspapers, magazines and of course online. You can also get little crossword puzzle books which are travel sized.
Another great word puzzle would be word searches. I’ve always been a fan of these, because I would have competitions with my friends to see who could find all the words fastest. Doing crosswords forces your brain to look through a series of letters and try and find letters that link to make a word. When looking for word searches, try ones that have the words placed diagonally and backwards as well as horizontally or vertically- this will challenge your brain even more.
2. Meditation
Meditation is a great way of releasing stress and improving concentration. The key to meditating is to detach yourself from everything around you and control your thoughts. This is a LOT harder than it sounds. Trying not to think of anything is a hard thing to do, and takes a lot of practise. Meditation has been proved to have some health benefits as well as being spiritually and psychologically beneficial. If you have more interest in the topic of meditation there is an article right here on Daily Waffle all about it: Meditation can change brain structure in 8 weeks
3. On The Bus
When I was younger, my mum would always play thinking games with my sister and I to keep us occupied on the bus, and I still do it on the rare times I catch a bus. Try counting all the syllables on an advert, or taking a phrase from an advert and making as many words as possible from that phrase. Try to beat your record each time you take the bus. These simple but effective exercises give your brain a little warm up, and are helpful if you want to get your brain woken up before you get to work or school.
4. Using Technology
There are so many mind games and puzzles nowadays online and in app stores. It’s as easy as taking out your phone, going into your app store and picking up a few puzzles. Some really great puzzle games are free. One of my favourite puzzle game is Words with Friends. This is a game that is free and is compatible with Androids and Apple products, and possibly in other products. It is basically scrabble but on your screen and online. You can play against anyone, and there is a chat function in it. I’ve been hooked on it since I got it, and everyone I’ve recommended it to enjoys it- although it can get a little competitive! Other games I have would be Unblock Me and Whirly Words and a Soduko app. There;s loads online that is free and just waiting for you to get your hands on.
5. Easy as A, B, C
Ready is a great way of widening vocabulary and increasing your concentration. Reading aloud challenges your brain even more and helps it to become stronger as it tries to look at words and say them out loud without mistakes. Also, try reading a page backwards, from the bottom right corner to the top left corner. As well as making your brain work harder, it also sounds kind of funny- kind of like you’ve become Yoda or something.
Writing also helps keep your brain energised. Try keeping a journal or even just writing down thoughts in your head on a scrap piece of paper when you’re free.
6. Water
Exercising your brain is just like exercising your body- you get the best results if you’re well hydrated. Aim to drink at least a.5-2 litres a day, but not all at once. As well as keeping you healthy, water also improves your skin. For more information on the benefits of water check out this Daily Waffle article: Go Natural
7. Rest
Your brain needs rest after working hard all day, so a good amount of rest and sleep is important in your lifestyle. The brain is like a battery- don’t charge it and eventually it will run out and stop working. Make sure to fit in enough time for rest and relaxation during your day to recharge your batteries.
