Regular training for the brain is as good as physical exercise
Recent studies show that "brain fitness", also called cognitive training, has a good effect on brain activity.
Cognitive training is based on the neuroplasticity of the brain and the idea that our thinking can be developed by posing new mental tasks to a person. In other words, the more we train the brain, the more active it becomes.
Special exercises for the brain can significantly increase the amount of working memory (which is responsible, among other things, for language recognition, the ability to learn and logical thinking), develop attention and the ability to concentrate, increase the speed of thinking and its flexibility.
In addition, such exercises and brain training contribute to the development of the ability to learn new things
Regular brain training helps preserve memory and prevent age-related decline in intelligence, the development of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of senile dementia.
Brain research
One of the scientific studies showed that people who actively used their mental abilities from childhood have a brain condition similar to that of people 50 years younger than them, and do not have plaques in the vessels of the brain, the presence of which is associated with the occurrence of the disease Alzheimer's Riddles of the brain
One study conducted by California-based Lumos Labs, which specializes in online brain training programs, found that those who engaged in these brain training programs for 20 minutes a day for five weeks experienced a significant increase in visual attention (by 20%) and working memory (by 10%).
Young people can benefit from cognitive training. Experiments indicate that performing exercises for the brain helps children develop memory, positively affecting their academic performance. Development of empathy. Exercises
They also improve attention in children and reduce the negative effects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Just 20 minutes of brain training a day will do you a lot of good. And most importantly, exercises and games are very interesting for your brain.
But remember: although solving Sudoku crosswords is fun, from the point of view of science, it cannot be classified as cognitive training. You might even become a sudoku champion, but you won't have an improvement in your baseline mental performance.
4 types of brain training
1. The ability to store information in memory and find it quickly is developed by such games for training your brain as chess, cards and crossword puzzles.
2. The ability to concentrate forms and develops - active reading, memorizing texts and pictures, recognition of symbols.
3. Arithmetic problems and mathematical puzzles are suitable for the development of logical thinking and solving logical problems. Apathy and laziness. What to do if you don't want to do anything?
4. Speed of thinking and spatial imagination are developed by video games, Tetris, puzzles, movement exercises and orientation in space.
Cross-country skiing for brain training
In sports, cross-country skiing is sometimes more beneficial than flat running on a regular track every day. What affects memory? Memorization factors
Different cross-country rhythms keep the body in constant tension. The same applies to the brain. It is necessary to set various tasks in front of him in order to make him work to the maximum.
For cognitive brain training, it's good to keep changing activities to keep your brain exposed to the unknown. So even if you're a sudoku fan, put it aside from time to time to do other brain exercises.
Set time limits for cognitive exercises and brain training
Professor Cynthia Green, author of the bestseller "The Power of the Brain", specifically mentions the need to set time limits for brain training and try to exceed them (for example, in games). This will help keep your brain in shape. Development of a sense of humor
Learn new brain training games
Learn about new games and don't be afraid to try them. Search for new brain training programs on the Internet, learn new card games and enjoy board games with friends and family. Memorizing new rules and formats of games helps to get new experiences
Choose online brain training programs. It would be ideal if you created a brain and memory training program yourself, but it is actually easier to subscribe to programs that already exist and have proven themselves well.
When choosing a brain training program that is most suitable for you, you should pay attention to a number of criteria, asking the developers and yourself a few questions.
Does cognitive exercise and brain training have a scientific basis?
Ideally, any brain training program should be created by the joint efforts of psychologists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists and other professionals who understand the laws of development and principles of brain functioning. Rules of conflict-free communication
Moreover, they should know the inside information about developments. These days, developers are doing their own research on brain development programs. Scientists should be aware of their results. How to remember better?
Choose programs that have already received positive reviews from professionals. Recently, many IT companies have partnered with universities and medical research institutions to develop developing applications.
Are brain, memory or thinking training programs effective?
The essence of computer programs for the development of brain capabilities is that the results of work should be applicable in life. A step-by-step system for achieving any goals
The description of the programs should contain detailed information about what can be achieved with their help in the short and long term. A participant in a brain training program needs to measure their progress. The program should also clearly indicate which function of the brain or the work of which part of it can be improved with the help of this or that exercise.
The exercises and games of the brain training program must meet certain criteria. Brain training criteria
- Professional brain training programs are constantly updated. If you play one game every day, you might get perfect at it, but it won't improve your overall thinking.
- Each program should have a wide range of games and exercises for training one or another brain function (for example, memory, flexibility, the ability to solve logical problems)
- Brain training programs have time limits. As Professor Cynthia Green points out, the race against time is important for the development of the brain's mental function.
It makes the brain work faster, focus better on the task and show flexibility of thinking. Other useful exercises for memory training
- The complexity of the exercises in the programs increases. As you gain the skills to play faster and more efficiently or complete tasks, move up to a higher level to challenge your brain.
Brain training tips
Play together with friends
Teamwork lets you make developing apps more fun. If you like card games like poker, get a group together and have a poker night once a week. Or spend the evening playing Erudite. If you find it difficult to arrange a personal meeting with your friends, solve crossword puzzles with them over Skype.
Forget the calculator
With calculators, it's easy to unlearn how to use your brain for even the simplest arithmetic calculations. And they can help you keep your mind fresh and mobile for a long time. Try to do all mathematical operations mentally. What is emotional intelligence?
Learn one song or poem per week
Even if you're not particularly interested in poetry or singing in a jazz band, memorizing the lyrics of songs and poems trains your brain and supports your memory. Try to study one song or poem a week to train your brain.
Expand your vocabulary
Learn a new word every day. This will not only expand your vocabulary but also help keep your mind sharp.