9 Ways To Sharpen Your Mind

The brain is like a muscle and when it is kept active, you can keep it working. Dr Joshua Kua, Psychiatrist, Raffles Counselling Centre, shares nine activities you can do today to sharpen your mind.

Crossword

Crossword puzzles have a strong correlation to the delayed onset of dementia. Alternate between crossword puzzles and other word games to keep your mind engaged.

The Tray Game

Place random items on a tray. Have a brief peek at the tray before covering it with a cloth. Then try to remember what all the items are.

Concentration

Lay cards facing down. Flip two cards at a time to match a pair. If this gets too easy for you, try a messier arrangement to increase the difficulty levels.

The Suitcase Game

In a group, try this round-table memory game. The first player will share what he is packing in a suitcase. The second player will repeat the first item and add an item. Repeat.

Multi-task

Allow yourself to multi-task when doing activities. This will allow you to cope with distractions and improve your concentration levels

Shopping Game

Use the peg system to memorise your shopping lists. If you split your purchases up with a friend or family member, you can see who would remember the most items and it what order.

Jigsaw

Jigsaw puzzles engage your short-term memory as your brain differentiates between different pieces to form up the full picture.Jigsaw puzzles are great because they create dopamine as you get them right

Sudoku

Sudoku requires you to keep numbers in your head as you try fitting them into the grids. This works your working memory. Once it gets easier, it’s time to try something different.

Chess

Skilful chess players use strategies from their long-term memory while new players tend to rely on short-term memory to analyse the board. Either way, chess is an intellectual game that works the brain.