Issue #84 ·
Brain Training Games to Keep Your Mind Sharp With Age
🧠 How to prepare for cognitive decline, how to rest well, making microtransitions, and warming up for weights
Hello friends,
I'm only 36, but I've noticed subtle changes in my cognitive speed.
It’s nothing dramatic, and I’m not making a mountain out of a molehill. But sometimes I take longer to remember a name or bring my grocery list
And this is normal, our mental processing naturally slows as we age.
It’s definitely something that I can see in my parents.
Person to person, the rate of cognitive decline varies. Some of my parents' friends seem sharper than ever, while others have slowed down noticeably.
Fortunately, maintaining our cognitive strength isn’t rocket science. There’s a lot of things you can do about it right now.
This week in building health 👇
Should you do some Brain Training Games?
Chess. Crosswords. Scrabble. Bridge. Poker. Mahjong.
Pick your game.
The medical field has taken to the term “Brain Training Games,” although a lot of them are just the usual tile or card games we know very well.
It helps that they do identify some areas that Brain Training Games focus on:
Reasoning
Logic
Visual perception
Attention
and Mental Flexibility
The goal here is to expose you to different scenarios and challenges that test you in these areas.
On top of that, you’re also put in new stimuli and situations that make your brain learn something new.
How to Get the Most Out of Brain Training Games
To maximize the benefits of brain training games, consider these tips:
Choose games that challenge you and offer variety
Aim for 15-30 minute sessions, several times a week.
Play on different days to maintain consistency
Mix up your routines and tasks to stimulate various brain areas.
In a way, it’s like working out your body.
You wouldn't do the same exercise every day, as your muscles would adapt and stop growing.
Similarly, your brain needs diverse challenges to stay sharp. Incorporate a mix of games that target different cognitive skills, such as memory, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
How many options are there?
Brain games come in various forms, each one focusing on something different.
Board games: Scrabble (vocabulary), Chess (strategy), Catan (decision-making)
Card games: Solitaire (pattern recognition), Bridge (logic), Poker (social cues)
Brain Apps: Lumosity, Peak, and Elevate all target different cognitive skills.
Puzzles: Crosswords (knowledge), Sudoku (logic), Jigsaw (visual-spatial reasoning)
There are so many out there, and I can’t list them all.
The point is that you have a ton of options. And there’s probably something out there that you already do and enjoy.
This diverse range ensures something for everyone, whether you prefer traditional or digital games.
The key is finding what engages and challenges your mind.
The Best Approach? Give Yourself Space to Play
Personally, I don't want to add Brain Games as another task to my overflowing to-do list.
We're constantly handling multiple responsibilities. Turning brain health into another chore feels counterproductive.
The most effective approach is to give yourself space to play. Brain-training activities are games.
Embrace the playful spirit.
Lastly, it's about cultivating genuine curiosity and openness in my daily life.
Our brains thrive on new experiences, so I make novelty a part of your routine.
Whether it's trying a new recipe, taking a different route on my daily walk, or picking up a musical instrument, try to constantly seek ways to challenge your mind without it feeling like work.
It's never too early or too late to start taking care of your brain.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
How to Get the Best Time Out of Your Downtime
12 minutes | Roger Bretherton
During holidays, we struggle to disconnect from our routines.
This piece offers practical strategies to overcome this obstacle.
It's not just about 'relaxing', it's about slowing down, reconnecting with our bodies, and fostering meaningful connections.
Understanding and implementing these ideas can lead to a rejuvenating holiday experience.
// two
How to Make a Microtransition
8 minutes | Brett & Kate McKay
This idea focuses on effectively transitioning between different roles and tasks in our daily lives.
The article explains how a three-phase process—Reflect, Rest, and Reset—can help us be more present and productive in each role.
Moving between work and home or different tasks at the office can help manage stress and stay focused.
// three
How to Warm Up For Strength Training
7 minutes | Andy Morgan
I’ve started lifting some weights again, and this article has become my go-to strength training warm-up.
This piece simplifies the warm-up process, making it accessible and practical for everyone.
It highlights the importance of a brief cardio session, targeted stretching, and essential warm-up sets for lifting.
I find this approach useful because it emphasizes efficiency without compromising effectiveness.
Until next time
Have a Healthy Weekend