There are numerous researches showing the benefits of brain training on different aspects of our mental health. Brain training usually involves different puzzles, computer-based activities, in text format and other activities that would make intensify mental activity.
Different medical institutions have performed studies on how training your brain could improve memory, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and improve focus and concentration. There are even ongoing medical research on determining the benefits of brain training on delaying the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
With such benefits, how could you start training your brain? Contrary to what most of us initially think, brain training programs would not require you to pour on boring reading materials. Here are some games which could excite your brain.
• Sudoku. It is a logic-based puzzle which would require you to place numbers in a 9x9 grid. It was popularized by the Japanese company Nikoli in 1986 until it became a hit in 2005.
• Crossword puzzles. Solving crosswords would help develop different skills like vocabulary, spelling, reasoning, identifying similar and connected words and phrases.
• Optical illusions. Also called visual illusions, these images help the eye and the mind to process the objective reality, physical measurements and excessive stimuli (like light and movement) of the object to determine the actual image.
• Riddles. Riddles are a great way to speed up mind processes. It would help you increase your thinking speed, problem solving skills and mind alertness.
• Board games. There are a lot of board games that can help both adults and children in brain training. The American Mensa Society awards best board games every year depending on the originality and play value. But there are also classic board games like chess, Chinese checkers, go, reversi, checkers, and scrabble.
• Memory games. There are different memory games which challenge the mind to remember different patterns which would be come more complex and bigger as the level increases.
• Card games. Bridge is challenging card game which could develop your quick decision making using analysis. It could be complicated at first, but would eventually be easy and fun by playing consistently.
• Computer games. Before computer games are regarded negatively, however there are different computer games developed like Brain Trainer, Brain Workout and Brain Age which are known to develop and stimulate the brain with simple exercises. Popular puzzles like sudoku are also available in gaming consoles and even in cellphones.
Currently, there are different brain games sold by various video game manufacturers. It may be a bit expensive but the good news is that there are also free online games which would allow you to increase mental exercise. Brain training is one of the emerging market in the United States.
What should be kept in mind is that a particular mind training game or program may work for one person but may not be suitable for another. To determine what brain training game is suitable for you, you could start with the one you know and eventually learn other games.
The market for brain training products is increasing, according to a study by the Ambient Insight. It is not just for the elderly anymore, the market is reaching different kinds of people and ages. Even children from ages 4 to 7 are being targets for brain and cognitive training products.
In the report released by Ambient Insight, they predicted that there are four products that will increase in revenue: assessments, tutors, brain games for mobile phones and brain fitness games and applications. Investment in companies specializing in brain training has increased over the years. In 2007, about $53.6 million was invested in this industry. The year 2008, the industry saw an increase of 55% on investments.
Different products are permeating into the market, how would you identify the best program for you? Brain games may work differently for each user. There are some who would struggle on learning how a particular brain fitness game works. How would you know that you are not wasting your money on a brain game or a brain trainer?
• If you are after a tutor, then make sure to work with a trainer that would provide you with undivided attention. Brain training works best when performed one-on-one. This is the same reason why getting a software for your computer is better.
• One-on-one sessions are not only beneficial because of the undivided attention, but because they allow immediate feedback. Wrong habits could be corrected and at the same time positive habits could be reinforced through a reward system or praise.
• Choose a program that would increase a cognitive skill that needs to be worked on. You do not have to choose a brain training program that would already work on a skill where you are good at. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses.
• Make sure that a brain training program would be enjoyable for you. The last thing you need is a training that would make you more tired or make children less interested in learning. Besides brain training should not be like another day in a classroom or office.
• When buying a brain training program, make sure to get all the necessary sequences or parts of the training. As your brain improves, you will need different challenges which would prepare you for the next step.
• If you are after comprehensive brain training, then it would work if you would be picking a program that does not only contain brain games. Make sure to pick a program that would help you in applying the techniques on your life, like improving your self-confidence, memory, and even develop speed-reading techniques.
• Before you order, research first. Check the feedback on a specific training and program, what both experts and customers/users have said about the particular program.
The success of brain training does not only rely on what kind of program you are using. It is combination of physical exercise, healthy lifestyle and training. When choosing a brain training program, the best is to pick a program that will help in improving your brain in a pace and method you are comfortable with. After all, you only have one.
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