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Just like our abs and arms, our brain also needs exercise to stay sharp. Ideally, you want to engage in challenging activities that help strengthen brain function and mental skills. While the verdict on online brain-training exercises is still pending, almost any suggestion about improving your brain’s health will do some good.
Join the GR8NESS team and community as we try to include these training exercises designed to sharpen your mind, improve your memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Save this article to your GR8 profile and come back to it every day to make sure you’re following the latest exercise.
1. Test Your Recall
Make a grocery list and memorize it. An hour later, see how many items you can recall.
2. Play Some Music
Listen to a new song and try to memorize the lyrics. Certain sounds help us relax, try listening to those too.
3. Do Math in Your Head
Try to calculate the percentage of something, without using a calculator.
4. Cook a New Recipe
Cooking engages several senses, which involve different parts of the brain. Check out our GR8 healthy recipes if you need inspiration.
5. Learn a new Language
Try a 10-min session of a new language to prevent the risk of cognitive decline.
6. Work Pictures
Visualize the spelling of a word in your head, then think of any other words that begin (or end) with the same letters.
7. Memory Map
Draw a map of a new area you recently visited. Repeat this with every new location.
8. Challenge Your Taste Buds
Try to identify individual ingredients in your meal, be very detailed, including herbs and spices.
9. Hand-eye Abilities
Try a new hobby that improves your fine-motor skills, such as drawing, painting, or knitting.
10. Get Active
Try a new athletic exercise such as yoga, tennis, or golf to engage both mind and body. If you’re unsure how to start, our fitness section can help you get started.
11. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Repeat something you heard today. Do your best to write down precisely the same phrase tomorrow.
12. Sudoku Puzzle
Find a somewhat challenging puzzle and see how long it takes you to complete. A traditional puzzle may also be helpful.
13. Turn Your Watch
Set your watch upside down, this forces you to think and become more aware every time you glance at it.
14. Try Chopsticks
Eat your lunch with chopsticks today to help tune your fine-motor skills.
15. Switch Hands
Try using your non-dominant hand to do daily activities like brushing your teeth or eating.
16. Crosswords
Find one online or in your local newspaper. Challenge yourself to finish under a certain amount of time.
17. Read Aloud
Grab your favorite book and read aloud. You’ll be shocked to notice the difference.
18. Try a New Commute
During your commute, your brain is on autopilot. Try to find an alternative route to activate your mind.
19. Memorize a Phone Number
Try to memorize your family’s phone numbers instead of reaching for your contacts list on your phone.
20. Learn Chess
Do your best to learn this fantastic game. Anything with strategy is food for your brain health.
21. Mirror Writing
Try mastering the art of writing backward. It makes your brain work harder as it’s trying to break down a learned behavior.
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