Studies show that your mind needs just as much exercise as your body. In fact, doctors recommend keeping your brain active at all stages of your life. Doing so can have a positive impact on your memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Fortunately, there are a lot of everyday games available that can give your brain a workout while being fun at the same time.
10 Games That Will Improve Your Memory
1. Sudoku
This numbers game is great for honing your short-term memory and concentration. As you try to solve this puzzle, you have to plan forward to see how putting a specific number in one box will affect the rest of the boxes. It also helps that you can start from a simple level and then progress to more complicated ones.
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2. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles train your brain to not only access verbal language but also draw from a wide database of knowledge. Doing crossword puzzles regularly can improve your memory and language skills. However, it’s been shown that they can become less effective if you don’t switch things up a little. You should consider varying the type of crossword puzzles you do as well as aiming for harder ones over time.
3. Jigsaw Puzzles
When you work on jigsaw puzzles, your brain has to engage your short-term memory to get them done. Better yet, studies show that your brain releases dopamine every time you click a piece of the puzzle into place. This reward makes it more likely for you to stick to the task and have more interest in doing more.
4. Chess
Chess is known to be an intellectually challenging game of strategy. While it exercises your short-term memory when you start playing, more seasoned players will engage their long-term memory as well. That’s because you’re more likely to commit certain strategies to memory.
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5. Checkers
While it’s simpler than chess, checkers is still a game of strategy. As a result, playing it can have a similar effect on your short and long-term memory as regular games of chess. The trick here will be to find more challenging opponents as you get better at playing the game.
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6. Language Games
Games where you learn a new language can challenge the brain and improve your memory. To get the most out of learning a new language, consider doing it with a friend. Speaking in a new language for brief periods can also work wonders with your memory.
7. Word Games
Whether you’re playing online word games like ‘Wordle’ or a physical board game like ‘Scrabble’, you’re still getting a good mental workout. Word games pull on your language center as well as your knowledge base, which improves your memories and cognitive abilities.
8. Video Games
With this option, the type of video game you choose will be critical. Instead of games that rely on quick reflexes, try the ones that include strategy and require that you remember important details. The right game can be good for your brain.
9. Card Games
There are different card games that can enhance your memory. You can play ‘Solitaire’ by yourself or play another kind of game with friends. Cards can also be used to play memory games. If you really want a challenge, try placing the cards in a different pattern than straight across.
10. Monopoly
‘Monopoly’ is another board game that can improve your brain health. It enhances different skills such as strategy, memory, logic, and problem-solving. Other games like ‘Snakes and Ladders’ and ‘Cluedo’ can be helpful as well.
When To Call Your Doctor
While brain exercises can make a difference when you’re dealing with memory loss, there are times when you might need more medical intervention. Depending on what’s causing your memory problems, the issue may progress slowly or quickly so it’s important to know when you need your doctor’s help. If you’re still having trouble remembering parts of your routine, people’s names, or simple words then your condition could be getting worse. It’s a good idea to keep playing the games you enjoy but consult with your doctor about what other things you might need to stay healthy.
Playing fun games is a great way to keep your brain healthy. It’s also good to mix things up so you don’t get complacent and the games become less effective. If you’re seeing signs of progressive memory loss, however, you should never ignore that. You should always let your doctor know when there are any changes in your symptoms.
