Maybe you've begun to experience mental blocks more frequently than usual. Or perhaps while you've been in the middle of a conversation, you suddenly draw a blank and are unable to think of the perfect word to complete your sentence. These are all examples of poor cognitive function. Just as the muscles of your body will lose their strength when they are not worked, your brain will lose its ability to function when it is not exercised. Therefore, performing brain exercises each day can help your brain become sharper than ever before.
The Five Cognitive Functions
As you become older, your ability to remain mentally strong begins to decline; your cognition is responsible for this. However brain exercises can help improve your cognitive ability.
Within your brain, there are five main functions which comprise your cognitive abilities: memory, visual-spatial skills, language, attention and executive function. Stimulating these functions on a regular basis helps improve your cognitive abilities.
Memory
Memory plays the largest role in every cognitive function and activity your brain participates in, including reasoning and mental calculations. A variety of memory types are at work in your brain each day; however, you may not recognize them until one of them begins to fail you.
To exercise this function of cognition, try memorizing the words to a song you don't know; this helps boost the chemical acetycholine, which is responsible for improving memory skills.
You can also try using your non-dominant hand for activities such as brushing your teeth, or attempt to get dressed in the dark; this forces the opposite side of your brain to begin working and thinking during these activities.
Attention
A good attention span is required in nearly every aspect of life; it assists you in concentration during times when you are surrounded by noise and distraction, while helping you multitask.
One way to exercise this function is by changing the route you take to a particular place each day, such as school or work. This forces your brain to wake up from its old habits and pay attention.
You can also combine activities, which helps your brain learn to multitask. When you walk or jog, listen to an audio book or music CD. While driving, force yourself to devise some mental math problems to solve. Both of these force your brain to work on more than one thing at a time.
Visual-Spatial
This function enables you to interact within your environment more efficiently and become more aware of your surroundings.
Begin by staring straight ahead, taking in as many objects as possible both directly in front of you and within your peripheral vision. An hour later, write down every object you can remember seeing. This a terrific workout for your brain.
Another effective exercise is to walk into a room and find five different objects, taking in their locations. Two hours later, force yourself to remember what the objects were and where they were located. This exercise not only forces you to use your memory, but also trains your brain to focus on its surroundings.
Alternative Exercises
While the above exercises are effective, there are online exercises that can help improve your cognitive ability as well. These were developed by a neurologist who specializes in improving cognition.
Just as your body benefits from a change in workouts and routines, so does your brain. A link to these interactive on line games, complete with your own virtual personal brain trainer, is located in the resource section.
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