5 exercises to boost mental health

While most of us strive to train our bodies, might it also be important to train the mind? Many researchers believe that memory stimulation is absolutely necessary. Brain training is a way to sharpen your mind and even boost intelligence. While many cognitive scientists suggest that the claims surrounding brain training are overblown and misleading, there is plenty of research indicating that certain types of activities can be beneficial to your brain health.

Cognitive training

The flexibility of the brain allows it to adapt and change, even as you get older. When you learn new things, you can create and strengthen neural pathways and networks. This helps make your mind stronger, but it can also help make it more flexible and adaptable to change. These exercises can be helpful for preserving memory as you get older.

Cognitive training includes the following:

• Processing speed training
• Memory training
• Logic training

Cognitive training helps stimulate the brain and memory and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Take care of your body to take care of your mind

If you want to take care of your mind, then you have to start by taking care of your body. Research has shown that people who engage in healthy behaviors such as exercise and proper nutrition are less likely to experience the cognitive decline associated with the aging process. Exercise can make you smarter and protect your mind from shrinkage as it ages. Scientific research has revealed that exercise can increase neurogenesis, or even the formation of new brain cells.

Switch hands while performing daily activities

Often one hand dominates in use when carrying out daily activities. Try using the second hand to strengthen the nerve connections in your brain. For example, try writing with the second hand or brushing your teeth, brushing, or pouring drinks. It may be difficult at first, but you will quickly get used to it.

Reading 

Regular reading helps boost your memory through the brain’s storage of information. You can practice talking about the things you read with your girlfriend or children as an exercise in recalling the acquired information. Also try writing this information to stimulate your memory and activate new areas of your brain.

Memory games

Choose games that enhance intellectual ability and memory, such as Sudoku and Find Differences. This type of puzzle and game keeps the brain active and helps you prevent memory deterioration with age as your brain immediately begins to create connections between scenes, numbers and images that your senses receive and notice minute details.