Nine Good Games For The Mind

Games to train the mind have no age limit. Kids, adults and even the elderly can play these cognitive skills games. In fact, they revitalize the brain.

Today we have access to many new technologies. Computers, mobile phones and tablets offer thousands of possibilities to activate your brain via apps. Still, don’t forget physical games. Think how much fun it is if you beat your partner in a game of chess, for example.

Below we share a list of some of the games you can play. However, remember that there are many more. Your imagination knows no bounds and you can always come up with new games or variations on existing games.

Games to exercise the mind

Games to train the mind are often called vitamins for the brain. This is a correct metaphor, because people often think that they do enough in their daily lives to keep their brains active. But they are wrong, because multitasking actually causes stress and anxiety.

Worrying, not getting enough sleep, and being busy all day promote cognitive decline. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter how much you exercise or how many superfoods you eat if you don’t stay curious and open to learn new things.

Plasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure based on your behavior. It allows you to adapt better to your environment. Moreover, this amazing talent gives you the opportunity to enjoy games for the mind on a daily basis.

If you also have healthy habits, your body and mind will appreciate it. A healthy, agile and curious brain is synonymous with psychological well-being. For this reason, it is worth giving some of these games a try.

Logic games to develop your lateral thinking

Riddles, puzzles and challenging stories are logic games that can help you think creatively. In fact, you need to apply both inductive and deductive reasoning, as well as innovative ways of thinking. Here’s an example:

Creative Writing Games

For creative writing games you only need three things: a piece of paper, a pencil and your imagination. Here are some ideas to share with friends and family:

• Jan searched for his red sock for three hours. Write five proposals that explain this situation.

• You have been shipwrecked on a desert island. What message would you put in a bottle before tossing it into the ocean?
• Choose one of the seven deadly sins and write a story about it.

The classic chess game

Chess is back in the headlines thanks to the TV series The Queen’s Gambit. If you haven’t mastered this game yet, it’s time to get started.

Studies such as the one from the University of Vila Velha (Brazil) claim that chess optimizes cognitive function, develops attention and concentration and even improves problem solving.

Backgammon, one of the oldest games

Anyone who was a fan of Lost will remember some characters who played a game with round tiles on a board with an elongated triangular design. This is backgammon, a game that dates back to ancient Egypt. Archaeologists even found this game among Tutankhamun’s possessions. Players need a refined set of strategic skills to play this game.

Sudoku, food for the brain

This is one of the classic games to exercise the mind. You’ve probably played this math puzzle before. Sudoku was invented in the late 1970s and is still just as popular and challenging today.

scrabble

Today, Scrabble is one of the most downloaded games. Scrabble is a simple yet fascinating game. You form words from lettered blocks. Each letter is worth several points. The goal is to use up all your blocks and get the highest score.

chinese checkers

Everyone knows the classic drafts game. Chinese checkers is a bit more complex. Two to six people play at the same time. You have to move the pieces on the star-shaped board to the opposite corner, using one-step moves or moves that jump over other pieces.

Rubik’s cube

This is one of the classic games to exercise the mind. The Rubik’s cube pushes technology aside because you have to physically manipulate it. It’s a great way to improve your visual-spatial skills.

Finding a hidden object

Many apps offer these types of games. Seek and find games improve your attention span, differentiation, concentration and patience.

A few years ago we only had the Where’s Wally? books. Today, however, there are mysterious castles, secret islands and plenty of other fantastic scenarios where you can search for your hidden objects . There’s no better time than now to train your brain, so try some of these games!