Games to improve your brain functioning

It has now been established by prominent research that mental functioning can be improved at all ages. Teaching the brain new ways of thinking and functioning creates new connections in your brain cells. (neurons) This keeps your brain active and alert [not to mention that this keeps you happy as well!]. While visiting my dentist for a check up today I was browsing through some old news papers and magazines lying around and I came across this article in Mumbai Mirror which had some exercises and games for increasing your brain power. As you may already know, the functions of the brain for most people are divided in to the left side and the right side. The left side for most people primarily deals with reasoning, language skills, analytical skills and is responsible for controlling the right side of your body. While the right brain makes you appreciate things like art,music, understand spatial concepts etc and controls the left hand side of your bode. In most people, one side is dominant over the other side. These exercises are designed so that you have to use both your right and left side brain thus making your brain more active. So swap some 20 minute stupid habit that you have for this awesome workout which ensures that your brain is fit and alert.

1.) Count the numbers 1, 2, 3...., 100 and. What you need to do is
a. Raise your left hand when you reach a number which is divisible by 3 (e.g. :- 3, 6, 27 etc)
b. Raise your right hand when you reach a number which is divisible by 4 (e.g. :- 4. 16 etc)
c. Tap your left foot when you reach a number which is divisible by 5 (e.g. :- 5, 50 etc)
d. Clap your hands when you reach a number divisible by both 3 & 4 (e.g :- 12, 24 etc)

2.) Now, to increase your focus, split it right down the middle - put a functioning clock with a second hand next to your T.V and focus on the second hand of the clock for 2 entire minutes. Remember you should not be distracted by the T.V.

3.) Now, to make you ambi-dexterous, write your name on a piece of paper with your right and left hands simultaneously. This makes sure that your right and left side brains are working at the same time.

4.) Now, pick out five 4 letter words, five 5 letter words, and five 6 letter words and right them down on a piece of paper, you then need to spell each word without looking backwards. This should give you some clarity of thought. When this becomes easy, move on to bigger words.

5.) For your right brain,
a. Draw a rectangle the size of a regular postage stamp on a paper. [without looking for all] b. Draw a straight line which is equal to the length of your feet.
c. Draw a rectangle the size of your mobile phone.
d. Draw a rectangle the size of credit/debit card.

6.) Also, teach your brain to do some unusual things like reading backwards [you can start with a paragraph and move on to entire books [ if you want to : ) ]

7.) Be creative, if you find yourself unable to concentrate on something important when you really need too, try changing your body posture as that helps in focusing your brain.

8.) Get in to the habit of sitting with your back straight. [ if you don't believe this can help, then try doing some math while sitting awkwardly and then do the same thing sitting with your spine straight. You will notice the difference. ]

Also, you should look at foods that increase your brain power. Try Brain Power – 6 Super Foods to Boost your Brain Performance

There are some other techniques that you can use but I will save them for another post. Try these for now.