How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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1Enhancing Your Thinking and Word Skills

2Playing Games to Exercise Your Brain

3Socializing More

4Making Learning Lifelong

5Staying Healthy

Brain Exercises and Resources

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Co-authored byMichael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN

Last Updated: June 24, 2024Fact Checked

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Whether you're trying to get your brain back into shape or you just want to keep it as strong as it is now, there are some things you can do to exercise your brain. You can use different strategies to enhance your thinking and word skills, play games, socialize, engage in life-long learning, and taking care of yourself. You probably won’t see results overnight, but after a few months of using these strategies you may notice a big difference in your memory skills.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Enhancing Your Thinking and Word Skills

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  1. 1

    Read as much as you can. Reading is great brain exercise. You can read newspapers, magazines or books but just keep in mind that the more challenging the text is, the more of a workout your brain will get. Like any exercise, start small and work your way up.

    • Try reading books that will teach you something new, such as books about history or another subject that interests you.
  2. 2

    Increase your vocabulary. You can also learn new words from a word-a-day calendar or dictionary. This exercises the language portion of your brain.

    • Try writing a new word someplace where you will see it often, such as on a whiteboard in your kitchen or on a sticky note on your desk. Choose a word that is challenging to spell and use to get the most out of this daily exercise.

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  3. 3

    Write something. Writing requires loads of thinking! You can write made-up stories, write down the things that have happened to you, or write articles for wikiHow on the topics you know about and love!

  4. 4

    Learn a new language. Learning a language is like a hack for your brain, opening up all sorts of pathways. This exercises the part of your brain that stores language information, even making you better at speaking your own language.

    • Languages are a great way to keep learning new things and challenging your brain.[1] Even if you only learn a few new words or phrases in a language, this will exercise your brain.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 224 wikiHow readers and 53% of them chose learning a new language as the skill they’d be most excited to learn. [Take Poll] So you may want to give this a try if you’re looking to exercise your brain in an exciting way!
  5. 5

    Post-problem solve. Consider the different possibilities of how something in your day could have gone, and explore the consequences. This improves creativity and makes you a better problem solver.

  6. 6

    Turn off the television. Television tells you what to think and how to think it, basically putting your brain on autopilot. That's why it's so relaxing! If you want to keep your brain from stagnating, the first thing you have to do is turn off the TV. If you really want to watch, use your brain while you watch. Choose to watch educational programs and if you watch popular programs, choose ones with complex plot lines or character interactions. Think about these while you watch and try to analyze them or guess what happens next.

    • You may even consider cancelling your cable or satellite service and only watching things online that are educational. You can find many educational videos online and through subscription services.
  7. 7

    Use your non-dominant hand. Use your left hand if you are right handed or your right hand if you are left handed. This will help to stimulate the parts of your brain that control your muscles.

  8. 8

    Learn to play a musical instrument. Learning how to play a musical instrument or learning how to sing is a great way to challenge your brain because this will engage you in a long-term learning experience.[2] You can take lessons, use videos to teach yourself, or join a group such as choir to engage with music.

    • Try learning to play the ukulele. This is an easy instrument to learn and there are even clubs for people who play.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Playing Games to Exercise Your Brain

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  1. 1

    Do daily crosswords and puzzles. Simple puzzles like crosswords can help your brain do some basic work.[3] These are easy to fit into your day. You can even find some for free online.

  2. 2

    Progress to more involved puzzles. Large, complex puzzles give your brain a stronger workout. These can sometimes take several days to a week to finish but they're worth the effort. This doesn't just mean a puzzle in the traditional sense either. Check out Japanese pocket puzzles for a serious brain teaser that you can do while you're killing time.

  3. 3

    Consider playing chess. Chess is an incredibly strategic and tactical game. Few puzzles surpass chess in working out your brain.[4] Chess is simple to learn and easy to play.

    • Look into joining a chess club in your area to get more opportunities to play and learn from more experienced players.

    EXPERT TIP

    How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (16)

    Our Family Plays Games

    Board Game Experts

    Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world.

    How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (17)

    Our Family Plays Games
    Board Game Experts

    Board games stimulate your brain. Engaging in strategic thinking and problem-solving while playing board games can trigger cognitive functions like memory and planning. Over time, these mental workouts can even enhance your cognitive agility. In sum, board games offer a fun and engaging way to keep your mind sharp!

  4. 4

    Play video games in moderation. Did you know that playing video games in moderation may actually make you smarter? Puzzle solving games like Mario, Zelda, Scribblenauts, and Myst are like a good cardio workout for your brain, helping you to become a better, more creative problem solver, and a faster thinker.[5]

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Part 3

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Socializing More

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  1. 1

    Talk with people. Talk with people about things you or they know about. Talking about politics, religion, and other challenging topics (having real discussions, not just arguments), can be a great basic brain workout[6].

    • You might even consider joining a group like Toastmasters since they cover a wide range of interests.
  2. 2

    Join an interest group. Join a group or club for people with the same interests as you. This can be a hobby club, a political group, a discussion group, or anything like that. Talking with people with similar interests will get you using your brain and your skills.

  3. 3

    Put away your phone when talking with people. Phones can be a distraction when you are having a conversation with someone, so get into the habit of putting it away when you are socializing. Try putting your phone in another room, or shutting it off when you are socializing with friends. This will force you to focus on the conversation and work on improving your face-to-face communication skills.

  4. 4

    Volunteer. Doing volunteer work will not only improve your social connections, it will also provide you with opportunities to build new neurological pathways.[7]Try volunteering at your local food bank, animal shelter, hospital, or nursing home.

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Part 4

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Making Learning Lifelong

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  1. 1

    Go back to school. Going back to school is a great way to get that brain working again and more education has obvious benefits. You don't even need to get a whole degree. Your employer may be willing to help you finance classes that further your job skills, or you can just take a single class in a subject that interests you.

  2. 2

    Take free classes. If you just don't have the money or time, there are also a number of free classes available online. Some are even from top universities, like Harvard. Try Coursera, Khan Academy, or even just Ted Talks to get the university experience, without the price.

    • You may even be eligible to take a free course at a local college or university. Some colleges and universities offer free courses for mature learners.
  3. 3

    Use skills you have already gained frequently. With your brain, much like your muscles, it's kind of a "use it or lose it" situation. The longer you go without using information and skills, the rustier they get. Frequently use basic skills, like doing math, in order to keep those skills fresh and ready to use.

    • Try using skills that you have not used in a while, such as woodworking, knitting, sewing, or doing home repairs.
  4. 4

    Pick up a new hobby. Learning a new skill is also a great way to give your brain a workout.[8] Creative skills especially, like music, dance, and visual art, will exercise different parts of your brain and all have incredible benefits.

  5. 5

    Build things. Whether you're building robots or a new bench for your hallway, using your brain to figure out how to make something (especially from scratch with no instructions) is a great workout. Get some basic building skills and then get your brain limber with some practical creativity.

    • Try doing a do-it-yourself project to learn new skills and make something in the process.
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Part 5

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Staying Healthy

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  1. 1

    Eat well and exercise. Diet and exercise actually play a role in the health of your brain as well.[9] If you want to keep your brain in peak condition, eat a healthy diet rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids to keep your brain physically fed. Drink water as much as you can. Physical exercise can also keep your body healthy, reducing the chance of stroke and increasing oxygen saturation levels.

  2. 2

    Play sports. Learn exercises or how to play new games to increase your hand-eye and body coordination. Tai-chi and pinball are both examples of this.

  3. 3

    Sleep well. Scientists are actually discovering that sleep plays an absolutely vital role in keeping your brain healthy. While you sleep, your body cleans toxins out of your brain (in addition to making repairs). [10] If you want to protect your brain, make sure you get a full night's sleep as regularly as possible.

  4. 4

    Change up your routine. Try commuting with varied routes, to prevent the brain from feeling too neglected as the result of a monotonous day. You can also change how you work, by introducing an exercise ball or other factor into how you work.

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Brain Exercises and Resources

Crossword and Puzzle Worksheet to Exercise Your Brain

Online Resources to Exercise Your Brain

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  • Question

    How can I become mentally strong?

    Rahti Gorfien, PCC
    Life Coach

    Rahti Gorfien is a Life Coach and the Founder of Creative Calling Coaching, LLC. She specializes in working with artists, entrepreneurs, and college students in creative fields. Rahti is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation, an ACCG Accredited ADHD Coach by the ADD Coach Academy, and a Career Specialty Services Provider (CSS). In addition, she has personal experience in the fields she coaches - she is an alumnus of the New York University Graduate Acting program and has been a working theater artist for over 30 years. She was voted one of the 15 Best Life Coaches in New York City by Expertise in 2018.

    Rahti Gorfien, PCC

    Life Coach

    Expert Answer

    I recommend learning how to meditate. Meditation is the process of learning how to separate your reactions from what you are observing. It can help you experience life in a balanced way and accept change.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 0Helpful 8

  • Question

    Are hobbies a waste of time?

    Rahti Gorfien, PCC
    Life Coach

    Rahti Gorfien is a Life Coach and the Founder of Creative Calling Coaching, LLC. She specializes in working with artists, entrepreneurs, and college students in creative fields. Rahti is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation, an ACCG Accredited ADHD Coach by the ADD Coach Academy, and a Career Specialty Services Provider (CSS). In addition, she has personal experience in the fields she coaches - she is an alumnus of the New York University Graduate Acting program and has been a working theater artist for over 30 years. She was voted one of the 15 Best Life Coaches in New York City by Expertise in 2018.

    Rahti Gorfien, PCC

    Life Coach

    Expert Answer

    No! Not only can hobbies add pleasure to your life, they're also good for your brain health. Take time to engage in hobbies you enjoy.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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    Not Helpful 1Helpful 5

  • Question

    How can I remember things easily and for a long time?

    Jurdy Dugdale, RN
    Medical Review Board

    Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

    Jurdy Dugdale, RN

    Medical Review Board

    Expert Answer

    There are many ways to improve your memory. Most people benefit from writing things down. Try writing down the things you want to remember, and then keep looking at the list until you remember them.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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    Not Helpful 2Helpful 31

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      Tips

      • Try doing a few things regularly, like memorizing something each day, or using a Rubik's cube for 15 minutes a day.

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      • When exercising, try to walk-backward (the reverse direction of the usual walking pattern) to tease the sphere of the brain.

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      • Remember to exercise your body - a healthier mind results from a healthy body. Get plenty of physical exercise.

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      References

      1. https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/learning-a-new-language-helps-brain-development
      2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154531
      3. Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Board Certified Brain Health Physician. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      4. Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Board Certified Brain Health Physician. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      5. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/games-can-be-good-when-you-play-for-the-right-reasons.html
      6. Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Board Certified Brain Health Physician. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      7. https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/free-time-activities/community-activity
      8. Rahti Gorfien, PCC. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 17 December 2019.
      9. Rahti Gorfien, PCC. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 17 December 2019.

      More References (2)

      About This Article

      How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (58)

      Co-authored by:

      Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN

      Board Certified Brain Health Physician

      This article was co-authored by Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition. This article has been viewed 1,001,970 times.

      32 votes - 94%

      Co-authors: 107

      Updated: June 24, 2024

      Views:1,001,970

      Categories: Featured Articles | Improving Mental Abilities

      Article SummaryX

      To exercise your brain, try doing puzzles, like crosswords and Japanese pocket puzzles, which are like workouts for your brain. You can also exercise your brain by learning something new or picking up a new hobby, like playing an instrument, painting, or studying a new language. Also, try doing some simple do-it-yourself projects at home, which can force your brain to think in new and creative ways. For more tips from our Nurse co-author, like how to enhance your thinking and word skills, read on!

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      • How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (59)

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        Mar 3, 2017

        "Thanks a lot. The tips are really practical and I'm practicing. My memory power is now enhanced a bit. It will..." more

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      How to Exercise Your Brain (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      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.

      Is it possible to exercise your brain How? ›

      Doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku games, jigsaw puzzles and other games that rely on logic, math, word and visuospatial skills are great ways to increase brainpower. These types of games require multiple cognitive abilities, which challenges your brain and improves processing speed and memory.

      How to exercise your brain - wikiHow? ›

      How to Train Your Brain
      1. Learn something new.
      2. Meditate.
      3. Use your memory.
      4. Change your perspective.
      5. Stop multi-tasking.
      6. Read every day.
      7. Exercise daily.
      8. Eat a healthy diet.

      What drink improves memory? ›

      Brain-Boosting Beverages
      • Coffee. 1/12. If you can't get through the morning without a java jolt, you're not alone. ...
      • Green Tea. 2/12. ...
      • Berry Juices. 3/12. ...
      • Kombucha. 4/12. ...
      • Green Smoothie. 5/12. ...
      • Turmeric Tea. 6/12. ...
      • Beetroot Juice. 7/12. ...
      • Ginseng Tea. 8/12.
      Nov 30, 2022

      How can I sharpen my brain everyday? ›

      Studies have shown that you can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits:
      1. staying physically active.
      2. getting enough sleep.
      3. not smoking.
      4. having good social connections.
      5. limiting alcohol to no more than one drink a day.
      6. eating a Mediterranean style diet.
      May 26, 2020

      How to boost brain power instantly? ›

      Immediate Brain Boosters

      Engage in brain exercise games like crosswords, Sudoku, or memory games. These are not only fun but also great tools for mind power training. Such games challenge your brain, forcing it to form new connections and pathways, which is essential for cognitive growth.

      What is the best game for your brain? ›

      12 best brain games for adults
      • Brainwell. ...
      • Chess. ...
      • Cognifit. ...
      • SET. ...
      • Scrabble. ...
      • Trivia. ...
      • Portal. ...
      • Elevate. Elevate is a brain training app that began as an SAT and language learning service, which explains its focus on developing practical soft and hard skills.
      May 16, 2024

      What is the best thing for brain health? ›

      Take charge of your brain health today — it's never too early or too late to start.
      • Get moving. ...
      • Protect your head. ...
      • Be smoke-free. ...
      • Control your blood pressure. ...
      • Manage diabetes. ...
      • Eat right. ...
      • Maintain a healthy weight. ...
      • Sleep well. Good quality sleep is important for brain health.

      What is the right brain exercise? ›

      Puzzles are one of the most popular right-brain activities. Matching the shapes and colours of different pieces exercises your right brain, while your logical left brain organises the loose pieces into their respective positions. Putting together puzzles can improve visual-spatial reasoning and short-term memory.

      What is super brain exercise? ›

      Super brain power yoga combines acupressure, breath work and physical exercise such as squatting. This yoga helps synchronize both sides of the brain, left and right and should be performed in the morning to ensure maximum benefits of this yoga pose.

      Can brain capacity be increased? ›

      The brain develops millions of neural pathways that help you process and retrieve information quickly. However, that is not enough when you are aiming to improve brain capacity. You have to make your brain work and train your memory. Take some time out and play memory games.

      How can I drastically increase my brain power? ›

      Let's take a deeper dive into 13 evidence-based exercises that offer the best brain-boosting benefits.
      1. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle. ...
      2. Try your hand at cards. ...
      3. Build your vocabulary. ...
      4. Dance your heart out. ...
      5. Use all your senses. ...
      6. Learn a new skill. ...
      7. Teach a new skill to someone else. ...
      8. Listen to or play music.
      Aug 7, 2019

      How can I unlock my full brain power? ›

      Here're 7 tips to ensure optimal brain health!
      1. Sleep Well: Quality sleep is vital for optimal brain function. ...
      2. Meditate: Meditation is a powerful tool for brain health, regardless of religious beliefs. ...
      3. Exercise Regularly: ...
      4. Adopt a Brain-Nourishing Diet: ...
      5. Embrace Social Connections: ...
      6. Seek Novel Experiences: ...
      7. Manage Stress:
      Jul 22, 2023

      How can I increase my brain storage capacity? ›

      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. Spend time with others. ...
      4. Stay organized. ...
      5. Sleep well. ...
      6. Eat a healthy diet. ...
      7. Manage chronic health problems.

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