We all know that physical exercise it vital for good health, but brain exercises can be just as essential. The brain is involved in everything we do and, like any other part of the body, it needs to be cared for too. Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many people, especially as they get older. That said, people of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily life, which we’ll explore in more detail in this article.

How important are brain exercises?

Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older. Here are 13 evidence-based exercises below may offer the best brain-boosting benefits.

Jigsaw puzzles

Whether you’re putting together a 1,000-piece image of the Eiffel Tower or joining 100 pieces to make Mickey Mouse, working on a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way to strengthen your brain. Research has shown that doing jigsaw puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging. In other words, when putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you have to look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. This can be a great way to challenge and exercise your brain.

Card games

When is the last time you played a game of cards? Researchers who conducted a study in 2015 said that stimulating activities for adults, say a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in several regions of the brain. The same study also found that a game of cards could improve memory and thinking skills.

Build your vocabulary

A rich vocabulary has a way of making you sound smart, but did you know you can also turn a quick vocab lesson into a stimulating brain game? Research shows that many more regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, particularly in areas that are important for visual and auditory processing. To test this theory, try this cognitive-boosting activity - keep a notebook with you when you read. Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition. Try to use that word five times the next day.

Dance your heart out

The CDC notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain’s processing speed and memory. In other words, bust a move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you.

Use all your senses

A 2015 research report suggests that using all your senses may help strengthen your brain. To give your senses and your brain a workout, try doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of your senses. You could try baking a batch of cookies, visiting a farmer’s market or trying a new restaurant while you focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing and hearing all at the same time.

Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill is not only fun and interesting, but it may also help strengthen the connections in your brain. Research from 2014 also shows that learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do? Perhaps you would like to know how to repair your car, use a particular software program or ride a horse? You now have one more good reason to learn that new skill.

Teach a new skill to someone else

One of the best ways to expand your learning is to teach a skill to another person. After you learn a new skill, you need to practice it. Teaching it to someone else requires you to explain the concept and correct any mistakes you make. For example, learn to swing a golf club, then teach the steps to a friend.

Listen to or play music

Do you want an easy way to increase your creative brain power? The answer may lie in turning on some music. Listening to happy tunes helps generate more innovative solutions compared to being in silence. Which means, cranking up some feel-good music can help boost your creative thinking and brain power. If you want to learn how to play music, now is a great time to start because your brain is capable of learning new skills at any point in your life. You are never too old to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar or even the drums.

Take a new route

Don’t get stuck in a rut when it comes to your daily tasks. Instead, be willing to try new ways to do the same things. Choose a different route to get to work each week or try a different mode of transport, like biking or using public transport instead of driving. Your brain can benefit from this simple change, and you might be surprised by how easy it is to change your thinking.

Meditate

Daily meditation can calm your body, slow your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. But did you know that it may also help fine-tune your memory and increase your brain’s ability to process information? Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and spend five minutes meditating each day.

Learn a new language

A 2012 research study has overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language. According to numerous studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial skills and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than one language may also help you switch more easily between different tasks, and delay the onset of age-related mental decline. You can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life.

Try Tai Chi

It is secret that Tai Chi can benefit your health in many ways, including your mental health. Plus, it can also help center you when life seems out of balance.Taking up a regular practice of tai chi can help reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve memory. A 2013 found that long-term tai chi practice could induce structural changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in brain volume. Beginners do best by taking a class to learn the different movements. But once you know the basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.

Focus on another person

The next time you interact with someone, take note of four things about them. Maybe you observe the color of their shirt or pants. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? What color is their hair? Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details.

Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility, no matter what age you are. By incorporating brain exercises into your everyday life, you will get to challenge your mind, sharpen your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and enriching along the way, too.