5 ways to train your brain every day

Your mind is like a muscle, and benefits from regular training and exercise. Your brain has plasticity, which means it can improve in function as you age - mental decline is not inevitable. If you're overwhelmed by the number of apps available, you can start with these 5 simple strategies.

learn a new skill

Learning something new means your brain is working at peak level. Pick up a new handicraft hobby by finding tutorials or videos online. Learn to speak a new language or play a new instrument. Learning to cook may seem straightforward, but as you begin, you'll learn how different ingredients work together, why you cook certain foods certain ways, etc.

puzzle it out

Completing puzzles is a quick and easy way to keep your mind working. You can do them anywhere, like during a commute on public transit, or as a way to reboot during your afternoon tea break. Numeric puzzles such as Su Doku and linguistic puzzles such as crosswords or the daily jumble can improve your memory.

move your body

Physical exercise can improve both your physical health and your mental acuity. During exercise, your mind releases chemicals that are important for memory. In addition, regular exercise can improve your mental health, and is often recommended as a lifestyle strategy to manage anxiety and depression.

test your memory

Do you have trouble remembering names or your grocery list? Do you walk into a room and forget what you came there for? Train your brain to improve your memory. You can try out some exercises like memorizing a deck of cards or drawing a map of your town from memory. There's a reason why memory games are some of the first we play as children!

socialize

Just like physical exercise is good for your mind, so is socializing. Spending positive time with friends or family, or meeting new people can be hugely beneficial for your mind. Talking with others helps you formulate and communicate your thoughts, boost your mood, and can even be an exercise in testing your memory. If you find time with others exhuasting, carefully plan your social time. Sign up for social groups for hobbies that you enjoy, such as book club or sports clubs, or make a note in your calendar to give a relative a call.