Brain Exercises for Better Mental Health

The human brain is constantly changing, and the way it changes depends on how much we engage it in challenging and stimulating ways.  Even in old age, the brain adapts to new situations and can grow new neurons.  Many diseases related to memory or motor skills develop because of brain inactivity.  These diseases can be easily prevented by engaging in mental exercises.  Here are five things seniors can do to stop mental health decline.

1.  Read

According to the MAYO Clinic, reading can decrease the odds of cognitive impairment by 30 to 50 percent.  You don't need to read Tolstoy's War and Peace to get these postitive effects; you can read the newspaper, a book, or a favorite website.  Reading leads the brain to interpret and analyze numerous concepts and ideas at the same time. 

2.  Do Something With Your Weak Hand Every Day

Ever tried writing a letter with your weak hand?  It's not easy.  Larry Bird, the great basketball player, used to walk around his hometown dribbling a ball with his left hand for hours to improve his skills.  Similarly, doing activities with your weak hand will increase your brain functioning.  Using your weak hand, try brushing your teeth, eating a meal, or writing a letter.  Maybe you could combine reading with this and keep a journal of what you read.

3.  Try an Activity With Your Eyes Closed Every Day

This exercise will probably not be compatible with reading, but it can be applied to things like bathing, eating, or walking through your apartment or house (it is not recommended you do this while driving!).  If some of these situations can be hazardous to your safety, find something that works for you.  Once again, these activities will challenge your brain and force you to think in a different manner.

4.  Learn Something New

Learning something new is always challenging.  While it really makes the brain think hard, it is also very rewarding.  Want to learn the guitar?  Look out Jimi Hendrix!  Examples of things you can learn include a new language, how to play an instrument, how to meditate, chess, or yoga. 

5.  Play Games

In a study done by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that memory games are among the brain activites most likely to offset a decline in mental acuity.  Doing crossword puzzles or playing Jeopardy! on television are great examples of memory games.  The same JAMA study found that people who engage in games of logic and reasoning had a 74% improvement in mental functioning over the course of the study.  Such games of logic and reasoning are Sudoku and, once again, crossword puzzles.