Boost brain power naturally with simple activities like walking, sudoku, crossword puzzles and more

Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are examples of mindfulness techniques that not only lower stress but also enhance focus and concentration (Image: Canva)

Your brain deserves just as much care as your body, and it doesn’t take a gym to keep it sharp. Walking, cycling, and swimming are simple activities that can boost your cognitive health, while puzzles like sudoku keep your mind active and engaged. These brain-boosting tasks are easy to incorporate into your routine, helping to improve memory, focus, and mental agility.

Keeping the brain healthy is essential for general wellbeing since it affects memory, concentration, judgment, and emotional regulation, says Dr Aditya Gupta, Director- Neurosurgery and Cyberknife, Artemis Hospital Gurugram. “Similar to physical health, appropriate workouts and activities can help to increase cognitive performance. At any age, putting mental health first can increase mental acuity, lower the risk of cognitive decline, and improve quality of life,” he adds.

Dr Gupta suggests some brain boosting tasks and exercises that can help:

Walk, cycle, swim: The health of your brain is impacted by regular physical activity. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are examples of exercises that improve cerebral blood flow and memory. In addition to keeping the brain young and active, exercise encourages the release of neuroprotective chemicals that aid in the creation of new synaptic connections.

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Meet people, interact: Meaningful social interaction is essential for brain health. Social contacts and dialogues improve communication abilities, lessen stress, and minimise the chance of age-related cognitive deterioration. Engaging in social activities such as volunteering or just hanging out with loved ones might improve cognitive resilience and emotional health.

Challenge your mind: Taking on difficult mental tasks is essential for improving brain function. Brain networks are stimulated by solving puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, and strategy games, which improve memory and problem-solving skills. Acquiring new abilities, like picking up a musical instrument, painting, or even learning a new language, can enhance brain plasticity and cognitive flexibility.

Breathing and yoga: Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are examples of mindfulness techniques that not only lower stress but also enhance focus and concentration. Over time, improved cognitive performance is brought about by meditation's beneficial effects on emotion regulation and information processing in the brain.

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Sleep well: Sleep is a vital component of brain health. It enables the brain to store and process knowledge while removing toxins that build up during the day. Sleep deprivation can affect your ability to think clearly, be creative, and remember things.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.