The human brain can exercised in many ways--there is no shortage of methods to train your brain. According to The Franklin Institute's Resources for Science Learning, "mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise." Performing a variety of activities and giving your brain a dose of stimulation every day can help keep it active and healthy. Find a set of games you enjoy and integrate them into your life.
Puzzle Games
Exercising your brain can be as easy as giving your mind a puzzle to solve. Crossword puzzles and sudoku are two games that make you think and stimulate your brain. A simple game of memory using a deck of cards is another option. An International Business Times Health article says puzzle games can be helpful in helping prevent Huntington's disease, because they are activities that force the mind to be active rather than passive.
Physical Activities and Sports
Being physically active is an important part of your brain's health. Mild to moderate exercise may help prevent vascular dementia, according to Time Magazine. As little as a 30-minute walk can be physically stimulating and exercise for your brain. Sporting activities like football and basketball require choices and can be both physically and mentally stimulating. If traditional sports are not to your liking, consider a physical activity like tai chi or yoga that requires the mind to focus and concentrate in order to achieve specific body movements.
Computer and Video Games
As strange as it may sound, there are video games on the market designed to exercise the brain. One of the most well-known series is Brain Age, available on the portable Nintendo DS system. Both Brain Age and Brain Age 2 feature games that activate the mind, including word scrambles, memory challenges and mental math practice. Brain Age saves and evaluates your performance each day so you can track your progress. For those with computer and Internet access, Lumosity is an online member community with more than 5 million users and has many games to exercise your brain. They are separated into categories--problem solving, memory, attention, speed and flexibility--that highlight how the activity within the game is intended to stimulate brain activity.
