People are more aware now than ever before that the brain ages like the body. Many of the things that keep our bodies healthy - like exercise, sufficient sleep, a nutritious diet, and stress management - also benefit our minds. In addition, there are new ways spawned by the information age to keep the mind going strong. Research shows that brain exercise games for adults are helpful in maintaining and even restoring cognitive function.
Neuro science has combined with the information age to create online games designed to stimulate the brain in specific, beneficial ways. Studies show that playing this kind of carefully crafted game can help retard memory loss, improve focus, and enhance task performance. This validates earlier research that showed the importance of daily decision making. Patients in nursing homes that were allowed to make simple choices and help with routine tasks like setting the table stayed mentally competent longer than those relegated to inactivity.
It's more than just not losing short-term memory or being able to dress unaided. People who play these online games showed more creativity, were able to accomplish more on an on-going scale of improvement, and took more satisfaction out of doing tasks. Motivation showed a marked increase, so it's easy to see how the quality of life goes up when brain training is introduced.
Just as with physical activity, eating good food, and taking supplements, using these mental tools should be done with moderation. Some sites suggest having a twenty-minute session several times a week. Others claim that their games are fun and may be addictive, so be careful not to over-do this good thing.
Computer games should not replace other things that are good for mental health, like social interaction. Time spent with family and friends is a great stress-reducer, and stress is bad for the mind both physically and psychologically. Physical activity increases circulation, which brings needed oxygen and glucose to the brain.
Backgammon, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, and chess are known to be good for the mind, and these also create settings for socialization. Bridge is another group activity. Research reveals that variety is important in mental stimulation, and interacting with other people has a positive effect on the part of the brain that controls decision making and planning. The production of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, goes down when people get together for pleasant social activities.
Being happy is good for over-all mental health. Research substantiates the beneficial effects of positive emotions and experiences on quality of life. In fact, concentrating on happy memories is a technique that has been shown to alleviate depression. Experts suggest replaying good times, with all the details of action and conversation, when a darker mood threatens serenity.
Keep everything in balance, and solitary computer gaming can play a valuable part in keeping the mind strong, active, and capable. Programs online can actually chart progress of members who play regularly. As part of a lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, adequate water intake and physical activity, and time spent happily with family and friends, online mental exercise games have proved to be very beneficial.
Neuro science has combined with the information age to create online games designed to stimulate the brain in specific, beneficial ways. Studies show that playing this kind of carefully crafted game can help retard memory loss, improve focus, and enhance task performance. This validates earlier research that showed the importance of daily decision making. Patients in nursing homes that were allowed to make simple choices and help with routine tasks like setting the table stayed mentally competent longer than those relegated to inactivity.
It's more than just not losing short-term memory or being able to dress unaided. People who play these online games showed more creativity, were able to accomplish more on an on-going scale of improvement, and took more satisfaction out of doing tasks. Motivation showed a marked increase, so it's easy to see how the quality of life goes up when brain training is introduced.
Just as with physical activity, eating good food, and taking supplements, using these mental tools should be done with moderation. Some sites suggest having a twenty-minute session several times a week. Others claim that their games are fun and may be addictive, so be careful not to over-do this good thing.
Computer games should not replace other things that are good for mental health, like social interaction. Time spent with family and friends is a great stress-reducer, and stress is bad for the mind both physically and psychologically. Physical activity increases circulation, which brings needed oxygen and glucose to the brain.
Backgammon, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, and chess are known to be good for the mind, and these also create settings for socialization. Bridge is another group activity. Research reveals that variety is important in mental stimulation, and interacting with other people has a positive effect on the part of the brain that controls decision making and planning. The production of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, goes down when people get together for pleasant social activities.
Being happy is good for over-all mental health. Research substantiates the beneficial effects of positive emotions and experiences on quality of life. In fact, concentrating on happy memories is a technique that has been shown to alleviate depression. Experts suggest replaying good times, with all the details of action and conversation, when a darker mood threatens serenity.
Keep everything in balance, and solitary computer gaming can play a valuable part in keeping the mind strong, active, and capable. Programs online can actually chart progress of members who play regularly. As part of a lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, adequate water intake and physical activity, and time spent happily with family and friends, online mental exercise games have proved to be very beneficial.
No comments:
Post a Comment