Brain Exercises: 13 Ways to Boost Memory, Focus, and Mental Skills (2024)

Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many older adults. But people of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily life.

Brain Exercises: 13 Ways to Boost Memory, Focus, and Mental Skills (1)Share on Pinterest

The brain is involved in everything we do, and, like any other part of the body, it needs to be cared for too.

Read on to learn more about different brain exercises and how to do them.

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.

Let’s take a deeper dive into 13 evidence-based exercises that offer the best brain-boosting benefits.

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.

When’s the last time you played a game of cards? Researchers who conducted a study in 2015 on mentally 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.

Try learning one of these tried-and-true card games:

  • solitaire
  • bridge
  • gin rummy
  • poker
  • hearts
  • crazy eights

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.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control 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.

Want to test it out? Give one of these dance activities a try:

  • Take a salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance class.
  • Try a Zumba or jazz exercise class.
  • Watch an online video with fun dance moves you’ve always wanted to learn.
  • Grab a partner and learn to ballroom dance.
  • Gather your friends and go line dancing.

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.

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’d 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.

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.

Do you want an easy way to increase your creative brain power? The answer may lie in turning on some music.

According to a 2017 study, 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.

And 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. That’s why you’re never too old to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even the drums.

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.

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.

A 2012 review of research 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.

The good news is that it’s never too late to reap the rewards of learning a new language. According to researchers, you can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life.

It’s no 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 study 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.

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’ll get to challenge your mind, sharpen your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and enriching along the way, too.

Brain Exercises: 13 Ways to Boost Memory, Focus, and Mental Skills (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one brain exercise for memory improvement? ›

“Simple games like Sudoku and word games are good, as well as comic strips where you find things that are different from one picture to the next,” says John E.

How to increase brain capacity to 100%? ›

  1. Fit in some exercise a few times a week. Exercising doesn't only improve our fitness levels, but can also help to develop a healthier brain. ...
  2. Get creative. ...
  3. Stock up on your vitamins and micronutrients. ...
  4. Socialize. ...
  5. Allow yourself to power nap. ...
  6. Break out of your daily routine. ...
  7. Try something new.
Aug 2, 2024

How can I improve my brain memory and concentration? ›

Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
  1. Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. ...
  2. Stay mentally active. ...
  3. Stay organized. ...
  4. Sleep well. ...
  5. Manage chronic health problems. ...
  6. When to get help for memory loss.

What type of exercise improves memory and concentration? ›

Regular aerobic exercise boosts blood flow to your brain, and also boosts the size of your hippocampus, the part of your brain that's involved in verbal memory and learning, Small says.

What can I drink to improve my brain memory? ›

Brain-Boosting Beverages
  • 1/12. Coffee. If you can't get through the morning without a java jolt, you're not alone. ...
  • 2/12. Green Tea. ...
  • 3/12. Berry Juices. ...
  • 4/12. Kombucha. ...
  • 5/12. Green Smoothie. ...
  • 6/12. Turmeric Tea. ...
  • 7/12. Beetroot Juice. ...
  • 8/12. Ginseng Tea.
Jul 9, 2024

What is the most essential brain booster? ›

3 essential nutrients for brain health
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. For big-time benefits to your brain health, start with omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  • Vitamin D. Vitamin D is notable for supporting strong bones and helping to prevent osteoporosis. ...
  • Vitamin B12. Like vitamin D, vitamin B12 has many mental benefits.

What is the best vitamin to take for your memory? ›

Takeaway. Some research suggests that certain vitamins, such as vitamins B12, D, E, and omega-3, might support good brain function, particularly in people living with dementia. However, research has yet to definitively conclude that these or other supplements can directly boost your memory.

How to clear brain fog? ›

Treatment – ways to end brain fog
  1. Spend less time on computer and mobile phone – remind yourself to take a break.
  2. Positive thinking, reduce stress.
  3. Change your diet.
  4. Get enough sleep – 7-8 hours a day, go to bed at 10pm or no later than midnight.
  5. Regular exercise.
  6. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drinking coffee in the afternoon.

What is the single best thing you can do for your brain to promote brain health? ›

Maintaining Your Brain Health
  • Quit smoking. ...
  • Maintain a healthy blood pressure level. ...
  • Be physically active. ...
  • Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  • Get enough sleep. ...
  • Stay engaged. ...
  • Manage blood sugar.

What drug causes the most memory loss? ›

Here are five drug types known to cause memory loss:
  • Benzodiazepines. ...
  • Beta-blockers. ...
  • Tricyclic antidepressants. ...
  • Statins. ...
  • Narcotic painkillers. ...
  • If you suspect drug-related memory trouble.
Apr 24, 2024

What vitamins are good for brain fog and memory? ›

One of the best is B12 (methylcobalamin); a deficiency in this vitamin is linked to impaired brain function. Other B vitamins that may help with brain fog include B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folate). Vitamins C: This vitamin is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from mental fogginess.

What is the number one exercise for the brain? ›

They found that both aerobic exercise and resistance training are important. Aerobic exercise was shown to improve cognitive ability, while resistance training was most effective on enhancing executive function, memory and working memory. All this to say, getting a good mix of different activity is the way to go.

Which exercise is best for brain memory? ›

22 brain exercises to improve memory, cognition, and creativity
  • Meditation.
  • Visualizing more.
  • Playing games.
  • Card games.
  • Crosswords.
  • Puzzles.
  • Sudoku.
  • Chess.
Jan 28, 2021

How to make your brain sharp? ›

How to Sharpen Your Brain
  1. Challenge Your Brain with Mental Exercises. One of the main ways to sharpen your mind is by doing mental exercises. ...
  2. Repeat Information. ...
  3. Read More Books. ...
  4. Engage More with People in Challenging Games. ...
  5. Make Schedules. ...
  6. Get Quality Sleep.

Is there anything that actually improves memory? ›

Traveling, learning new languages, picking up a musical instrument, taking art or cooking classes, doing puzzles, playing board games—all these things promote the growth of new brain cells and help the brain forge new pathways. Memory enhancement can also come from properly managing your physical and mental health.

What is the trick to improving memory? ›

The best way to protect and improve memory is by making good lifestyle choices: exercising regularly, limiting stress, eating healthfully, and getting enough sleep. You can also keep the mind agile by learning a foreign language or playing brain training games to improve thinking skills and short-term memory.

How can I train my brain to remember more? ›

Use repetition to firmly lodge information in your memory. Repetition techniques can involve things like flash cards, using the simple tips in this section, and self-testing. Space out your studying and repetition over several days, and start to increase the time in between each study session.

What improves brain function the most? ›

People who are physically active are more likely to keep their minds sharp. Regular physical activity also can help improve balance, flexibility, strength, energy and mood. Research suggests that exercise may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 5575

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.