Memory workouts: Try these 7 brain exercises for better recall and sharp focus

Nothing got his brain firing like a game of chess. Dubai-based Kartik Gawande recalls weekends spent watching his father immersed in the game for hours. “It didn’t matter if the match dragged on for two hours or more—he would sit there, studying each piece, calculating every move. If he lost a piece, he’d take even longer on his next turn, carefully planning his next strategy.”

Chess, puzzles, crosswords—these mental challenges kept his father sharp, right until the end, Gawande reflects.

Perhaps a lesson lies there for all of us: We need a mental workout, just as much as a physical one. It's a well-known fact: A sedentary brain can lead to mental fatigue, memory lapses, and even reduced creativity. And so, giving your brain a workout can actually be fun.

So, wondering how to give your mind a boost? Here are a few fun mental workouts you can try.

Change your routine

Sticking to the same habits every day might feel comfortable, but it can make your brain lethargic. Shake things up by altering small aspects of your routine. "For instance, try taking a different route to work. These tiny changes force your brain to adapt and stay alert, improving cognitive flexibility," explains Satish Chandran, a Dubai-based neuropsychiatrist.

Why it works: When you step out of your comfort zone, your brain forms new neural pathways, strengthening its ability to process information and solve problems.

Play brain games

 Puzzles, board games, and video games aren’t just for entertainment—they’re powerful tools for brain training. Sudoku, crosswords, can dmprove memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. "Strategy games like chess and even complex video games can enhance critical thinking and decision-making," adds Chandran.

Bonus tip: Make it more fun. Playing with friends adds an extra layer of challenge and keeps your brain engaged in both competitive and collaborative modes.

Learn a new skill: Keep the neurons firing

Ever wanted to learn the guitar, bake intricate pastries, or speak Italian? Now’s the perfect time. Learning something new challenges your brain, forming fresh neural connections and strengthening existing ones.

Pro tip: Focus on skills that require both mental and physical engagement, such as knitting or dancing. This dual-action workout enhances coordination and memory simultaneously.

Keep reading

Sometimes, as bookworm agrees, the best thing in life is just to curl up on a couch and read a book. Want to up the ante? Try Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, laughs Lakshmi Vishwanathan, a psychologist. "Now that's difficult and will keep you busy."

But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be that intense. Vishwanathan emphasises that reading isn’t just about boosting your vocabulary. It also enhances comprehension, focus, and empathy. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading stimulates various parts of the brain, offering countless cognitive benefits.

For an extra challenge, consider venturing into unfamiliar genres or selecting complex material that demands deeper concentration. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons and keep your mind sharp.

Challenge your memory: Train recall

Try memorising phone numbers, shopping lists, or even short poems. Reciting them later without looking helps strengthen your memory and recall abilities. You can also play memory games —place several objects on a tray, study them for a minute, then cover them and see how many you can recall.

 Why it matters: Regular memory exercises can help stave off age-related cognitive decline and improve everyday recall, explain the experts

Get moving

Physical exercise does help too, as much as most of us might not want to accept it. Activities like running, swimming, and even walking increase blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and improving mood," adds Chandran.

Best exercises for brain health: Aerobic activities, yoga, and coordination-based exercises like dancing or playing tennis offer a powerful combination of physical and mental engagement.

Eat brain-boosting foods

Swap the cheesecake for some healthy berries. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins are essential for cognitive function. Incorporate foods like fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, and dark leafy greens into your diet to keep your brain in top shape.