e old saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it” is commonly known because it’s true and it doesn’t just apply to your physical body but your brain as well.
In this article we are talking about the importance of brain training and how to train your brain every day in easy and fun ways.
What is brain training?
Brain training or cognitive training consists of activities designed to maintain or even improve your cognitive function such as memory, attention, concentration, and problem solving.
The importance of training your brain
There have been numerous studies around the link between cognitive function and brain training, most of which concur that for adults with normal cognition, exercising or training your brain can create a reduction in age-related cognitive decline.
The jury is out as to whether brain training can reverse the onset of cognitive diseases such as dementia as many studies show mixed results or insufficient evidence to support that theory.
The neuroscience behind brain trianing
I’ve talked about neuroplasticity in a number of other articles. Just like a muscle is strengthened by repeated resistance training, neural pathways are strengthened by repetitive behaviours and thoughts. When we are young, we form and strengthen new neural pathways very quickly and easily but as we age, it may take longer to do so. In addition to that, already formed neural pathways that are not utilised will diminish over time. Many of us may recall being able to do handstands in our youth but to do so now may be risking life and limb! That’s because at some point we stopped doing handstands and those neural pathways have weakened to the point that doing a handstand now may feel as foreign as speaking a language you’ve never learned.
Brain training is about reinforcing existing neural pathways and creating new ones in the interest of stimulating neuroplasticity.
The more neuroplasticity we stimulate the more easily we can learn new things, develop new skills, overcome depression, recover from brain injuries, remember things, and be more engaged.
Supporting yourself to train your brain every day
Before you start focusing on daily brain training, it’s important to consider other factors that can affect the quality of your training. Here are my top tips to ensure you are setting your brain up for successful brain training:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Ensure you are well rested and getting good quality sleep
- Eat quality nutritious food
- Get regular exercise
- Practice brain relaxation or mindfulness
- Avoid CATS – caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sweeteners
All of these factors play an important role in your overall health and when neglected can be the cause of lower cognitive function so if you want to improve your brain health, they are the ideal starting point.
How to train your brain every day
There really are limitless ways in which you can strengthen your brain – basically, if it challenges you in some way, then you are most likely training your brain. The key is the regularity of your training because the more you repeat your brain training exercises, the stronger those neural pathways become.
Here are some ideas you might like to try to train your brain:
- Crosswords/Sudoku/Jigsaw puzzles
- Memory games (these are great to play with children)
- Learn a new language
- Learn to play a musical instrument
- Develop a new skill or hobby
- Take a course
- Brush your teeth or your hair with your non-dominant hand
- Play cards or chess or checkers
- Learn new words
- Take a dance or tai chi class or learn some choreography online
- Utilise your less dominant senses (eg. Close your eyes and explore with your ears, nose, hands etc)
- Take an alternative route on your daily walk or drive
- Meditation or visualisation
- Socialise with new people
- Ride a bike (especially if you haven’t in a long time)
The wonderful thing is that most of these things will also trigger the release of the four essential brain chemicals for optimal health and performance.
Summary
Brain training isn’t just about playing memory games — it’s about building daily habits that support cognitive health, focus, and mental agility. The key to brain training is to weave it into your everyday routine through simple practices like mindfulness, problem-solving, physical exercise, and learning new skills. From boosting memory and attention to enhancing creativity and emotional intelligence, these simple techniques help keep your mind sharp, flexible, and resilient even as we age.
So will you ensure that you “use it” to ensure you don’t “lose it”?
I’d love to hear how you are training your brain – be sure to get in touch and let me know!
Kind regards,
Jan Sky