Everybody ages and experiences changes in cognition. It is simply part of life. There are things you can do, however, to maintain your ability to recall information and stave off memory loss. Luckily, it can be fun and beneficial for your mind and body. Continue reading to learn more.
Play a Game
Games are like catnip for a person’s mind. Once you start, you get excited and eagerly anticipate the next round. Your mind works through the processes of how to get from one point to another or the complexities of a particular move. The strategy involved in games is just as important as learning the rules and remembering them. The actions of playing a game help create connections and keep your mind sharp. The best part about maintaining mental acuity when playing games is that it is fun!
The best part about finding a game to challenge yourself is there are so many of them to choose from. Start with a tried and true favorite, such as Chess. You can play it online for on-the-go ease. You will never be more than a swipe away from what will be your new favorite game since you can play it on your smartphone.
Here is a list, though not exhaustive, of great games and puzzles to engage your brain and have fun along the way.
- Chess – Online or traditional board game
- Settlers of Catan
- Monopoly
- Scrabble
- Backgammon
- Wordle
- Crossword Puzzles
- Sudoku
Stay Active
Moving your body regularly is another crucial component to keeping your mind fresh and alert. And, of course, exercising will help keep your body healthy. There are so many things you can do to stay physically active. The main thing to keep in mind is that it should be enjoyable. After trying something out a few times, if it does not seem like a good fit or is more of a struggle than a joy, try something new. The more you have fun with exercise, the more likely you will stick with it over time.
The options for physical movement are seemingly endless. You can begin training for a 5k and move up to a marathon over time. Try joining a running club to meet fellow runners, and find a group to exercise with and encourage one another to meet your goals. Joining a gym where they hold spinning classes and old-fashioned Zumba classes (yes, they are popular once again) means learning new moves and ways to challenge your body in a group environment. Try something different every once in a while to keep exercising fun instead of boring. The important thing is to keep going.
Be Social
One of the indicators of memory loss over time is the lack of a healthy social support network and isolation. When you get out of your home and into the world to engage with other people, you make connections. Your body releases those feel-good chemicals called endorphins when you socialize with others.
Think about how you feel after spending time with friends and family or meeting new people. You probably have positive feelings and perhaps a smile on your face when you reflect on the moments together. Whether you talk about shared family experiences, your childhood together, or even have a conversation about the weather with the person standing in front of you in the checkout line, they all leave you feeling upbeat.
Now that you know being social is good for you, contact a friend to meet in person for dinner or go for a walk together. Invite your cousin over for coffee. Or join a club that reflects your age and stage in life, such as a new mom’s group, a recently retired club, or an executive’s circle. These groups, along with any others you choose to join, will have value and bring new conversations and ideas into your everyday life. The benefit is to reduce loneliness and invigorate your mind.
Learn Something New
The act of learning how to do something you have not done before is one of the best ways to sharpen your mind. Think about things you have always wanted to learn to do and felt you never had time to begin. Now is the time, and you can reframe the act as an essential way to train your brain.
Watch this video for a helpful tutorial on learning how to knit.
One important thing to note is that nothing can take the place of a proper medical evaluation. If you find yourself forgetting more than you should, see a licensed healthcare provider for an assessment. Beyond that, keep up your game-playing, spend time with friends and family, and stay active. Make it a point to enjoy your life while caring for your mind and body.
