Great Brain Games
Although research indicates that the relationship between brain training games and improved cognitive function is complicated, it is possible that brain training can help you improve your memory, response time, and logic abilities. 1 These games and activities that can help you improve your mental focus and fitness are great for anyone who wants to give their brain a workout while also having fun.
Sudoku
Sudoku is a number placement game that relies on the player’s short-term memory to complete the puzzle. A Sudoku puzzle requires you to look ahead and follow a trail of consequences—if you put a 6 in this box, the next box must be an 8 and this one a 4—and so on until the puzzle is completed. This type of planning can help you improve your short-term memory and your ability to concentrate.
Sudoku is a game that can be played online, on an app, or on paper. Look for a regular Sudoku puzzle in your newspaper, purchase a book containing a collection of puzzles, or download a free Sudoku app for your smartphone or tablet to get started playing.
Sudoku puzzles are available in a variety of levels of difficulty to suit your needs. When you’re just getting started, stick to the simple games until you’ve mastered the rules. Make use of a pencil when you’re playing on paper!
Lumosity
Lumosity is a brain training and mental fitness programme that has been around for quite some time. You can sign up for a free account that allows you to play three games per day, or you can subscribe to the service for access to additional games. In either case, you will be able to keep track of your progress and results.
It is scientifically proven that the brain training and mental fitness games, tests, and activities on Lumosity are entertaining and beneficial. You can either play them directly on the website or download the free apps for iOS and Android to your mobile device. Lumosity also has a meditation and mindfulness app called Lumosity Mind, which is available for download.
Crosswords
Crossword puzzles are a classic brain trainer because they allow you to access not only verbal language but also memory from many different dimensions of knowledge. Crossword puzzles can be completed in a variety of ways, both online and offline. If you subscribe to a daily newspaper, you will almost always receive a crossword puzzle in it. Alternatively, you could purchase a crossword book that is tailored to your skill level and interests.
Additionally, there are numerous options for crossword puzzles available online or through free or low-cost mobile applications. The AARP website provides a daily crossword puzzle that is available to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a member of the organisation.
Elevate
For Elevate’s 35 (and counting) different brain training games, which have a strong educational feel, you’ll need to download an app to your smartphone or tablet. It’s completely free (with the exception of in-app purchases), and both the iOS and Android versions have received tens of thousands of 5-star reviews.
Elevate’s games are focused on reading, writing, speaking, and math, and you can tailor your training to focus on the skills you want to improve in the areas you want. As with most other brain games, you can keep track of your progress to see how your abilities are progressing over time.
Peak
Similarly, Peak is an app-only option (available for both iOS and Android devices) that offers brain games to help you improve your ability to focus, remember, solve problems, be mentally agile, and other cognitive functions. If you’re a competitive person, you might find it motivating to see how you stack up against other users’ performances. The app is completely free to use, but a low-cost subscription allows you to access additional features.