Brain Exercise 101

Just as your body benefits from doing a variety of physical exercises — aerobics, strength training, and stretching — so does your mind benefit from doing various kinds of brain exercises too. On one hand, you’ve heard the old advice that doing the daily crossword puzzle or Sudoku can keep you mentally sharp.

On the other, you’ve been exposed to heavily marketed computerized brain training programs which claim to be the best way by far to achieve maximum brain function. But, in fact, neither of these extremes are the best ways to stay brain fit.

First, let’s take a look at the standards that must be met for an activity to qualify as “brain exercise” and to yield the benefits you want.

Here are some of the benefits of brain exercise:

• less stress

• better memory

• more positive mood

• increased focus and concentration

• boost in motivation and productivity

• enhanced fluid intelligence, creativity, and mental flexibility

• faster thinking and reaction time

• greater self-confidence

• sharper vision and hearing

Exercising your mind helps you be your mental best now while it protects against future memory loss and cognitive decline #brainfit #brain #mental #health #winnielimkhoo #neurologist