Like many things, forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. As we get older, it’s completely natural and not usually a cause for concern when we misplace our keys, forget someone’s name, or miss an appointment.
However, just because forgetfulness may be a typical sign of aging doesn’t mean that it should be simply accepted as the ways things will be. Numerous studies have been done on strategies, techniques, and lifestyle changes that can potentially slow age-related down cognitive decline.
January 29th is National Puzzle Day, which aims to express how important puzzles can be to mental and cognitive health. With assisted living and memory care communities in John’s Creek, Woodstock, and Acworth, Georgia, Brickmont Assisted Living understands the importance of cognitive health and stimulation. In observation of this day, we’re sharing some fun ways of stimulating your mind to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline.
4 Fun Ways To Train Your Brain
1. Get Puzzled
It’s National Puzzle Day, so we have to mention puzzles as one of the ways to stimulate your brain! Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku or crossword puzzle, or another type of brain teaser, any type of puzzle will help power your mind and increase cognitive functioning.
Some Benefits of Doing Puzzles Include:
- Engages both sides of the brain (creative and logical thinking)
- Helps store information and improve short-term memory
- Increases problem-solving skills
- Aids with visual and spatial reasoning
- Gives you a fun hobby to do alone or with others
Brickmont Suggests
Try to do a variety of puzzles that engage different parts of the brain. Switch between math-related puzzles, word teasers and riddles, memory games, and visual jigsaw puzzles. Doing so will ensure that you’re sharpening various skills and focusing on your brain health as a whole!
2. Start With Art
Creating art is another activity that’s fun and enjoyable but also stimulates your brain. The cognitive benefits of art aren’t reserved for the Picassos and Van Goghs, either—anyone with a pen, paintbrush, computer, or camera can reap the benefits of crafting or producing art.
Some Benefits of Art and Crafts Include:
- Encourages creative thinking and processing
- Strengthens communication between brain cells
- Restores focus and concentration
- Enhances confidence and self-esteem
- Improves hand-eye-mind coordination
Brickmont Suggests
Many people are discouraged from creating art because they feel as though they aren’t talented enough even if they enjoy it. However, sometimes creating art is not about the result, but the process of getting there. Besides, as an activity that’s valuable to brain health, the process behind creating art is even more critical. We encourage you to find some form of art that you love—writing poetry, painting by numbers, or arranging bouquets or wreaths—and start creating!
3. Be A Smart Cookie
Baking or cooking is a great activity for not only brain health but physical health, as well! Spending some time in the kitchen can stimulate your senses and mind, but it can also provide you with some healthy (or some indulgent) homemade meals and treats.
Some Mental Benefits of Baking Include:
- Activates and stimulates all five senses
- Encourages creativity and self-expression
- Improves the ability to plan, organize, and concentrate
- Increases focus and mindfulness
- Helps with problem-solving and basic math skills (For an added math challenge, try halving or doubling your recipe!)
Brickmont Suggests
Did you know that certain foods can boost brain health? When you’re in the kitchen baking or cooking, try using some brain-healthy ingredients in your recipes for an extra boost of brainpower! Some great options that are good for your mind and go well in recipes include blueberries, coffee, nuts, turmeric, and dark chocolate.
4. Learn Something New
The human brain has endless potential, and it’s always shifting and adapting to keep up with our skills and interests. By learning something new, you can challenge your brain, and it will ultimately establish new connections to become stronger. Challenging the brain with new activities will also allow it to become more resilient to dementia.
Some Mental Benefits of Learning New Skills Include:
- New information creates new neural pathways and connections
- Stimulates new areas of the brain
- Engages both short and long term memory
- Enhances problem-solving skills
Brickmont Suggests
Learning a new skill is a fun opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do! Learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, dance, or even go back to school and take some classes. Whatever you choose, this is your chance to focus on your interests and passions while promoting brain health!
Keep Your Mind Active While Having Fun
Promoting brain health and improving cognitive function doesn’t have to be boring. Most of the activities that stimulate your mind are fun or challenging in some way. Whether you sit down and put together a puzzle in honor of National Puzzle Day, whip up some treats in the kitchen, or go out of your comfort zone to learn something new, we encourage you to have fun while you train your brain!
Brickmont Assisted Living offers assisted living and memory care services to individuals and families in John’s Creek, Acworth, Woodstock, and Atlanta, Georgia. We are always encouraging older adults to stimulate their brains and focus on cognitive and physical health.
For more tips and resources on senior health and wellness, we encourage you to visit our Brickmont blog!
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