Simple Daily Brain Games and Habits That Keep You Sharp

Keeping your mind active doesn't have to feel like homework. Some of the best ways to stay sharp are things you may already enjoy: a crossword with your morning coffee, a card game with friends, or learning a new recipe.

Let's look at simple, everyday activities that give your brain a good workout, and how to make them part of your day.

Why mental activity matters

Like your muscles, your brain responds to being used. Challenging yourself with new things gives your mind fresh experiences to work with.

Harvard Health's tips for keeping your mind sharp include continuing to learn as one of several steps that support brain health throughout life.

The key ideas are novelty and challenge. Doing the same easy puzzle every day is pleasant, but trying something a little new or a little harder gives your brain more to do.

Brain games you can enjoy every day

Word games

• Crossword puzzles
• Word searches
• Word-building games, like making as many words as you can from a set of letters
• Daily word puzzles in the newspaper or on your phone

Number and logic games

• Sudoku
• Simple math in your head, such as adding up your grocery total before checkout
• Logic puzzles and riddles

Card and board games

• Card games such as rummy, bridge or solitaire
• Board games like chess, checkers or Scrabble
• Dominoes or other table games

Games played with others give a double benefit: thinking and social connection.

Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles use your eyes, memory and patience. Start with larger pieces if your eyes get tired, and work in good light.

Learning something new

Brain games are fun, but learning a real new skill may be even more engaging. Harvard Health's "Train your brain" article discusses how learning new and challenging activities can support thinking skills.

Ideas to try:

• Learn a few words in a new language each week.
• Take up a musical instrument, or return to one you played years ago.
• Try painting, knitting, quilting or pottery.
• Take a class at a library or community center.
• Learn a new dance.
• Cook a recipe from a country you've never visited.

It's fine to be a beginner. Feeling a little challenged is a sign your brain is working.

Everyday habits that keep your mind engaged

You don't need special time set aside. You can build brain-friendly moments into normal days.

• Read every day. Books, magazines or newspapers all count. Try a new type of book now and then.
• Change your routine. Take a different route to the store, or brush your teeth with your other hand.
• Use your memory on purpose. Try to remember your shopping list before checking it.
• Teach someone. Show a grandchild how to bake, or share a skill with a friend.
• Talk about what you read or watch. Discussing a story helps you recall and think about it.
• Write. Keep a journal, write letters or jot down family stories.

Make it fun and doable

The best brain activity is one you look forward to. If you dislike a game, choose another.

• Set a small daily goal, like one puzzle or 15 minutes of reading.
• Pair activities with something you already do, such as a puzzle with your morning coffee.
• Invite a friend to join a class or game night.
• Keep large-print puzzle books or adjust the text size on your phone if your eyes tire easily.

Don't forget the whole picture

Mental activity works best alongside other healthy habits. The Alzheimer's Association's brain health page highlights several areas together, including staying physically active, eating well, sleeping and staying socially engaged.

Harvard Health's list of ways to keep your brain young also includes caring for your hearing, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and building social ties.

In other words, a crossword is great, and a crossword shared with a friend after a walk is even better.

A simple one-week plan

• Monday: Do a crossword or word search.
• Tuesday: Try a new recipe.
• Wednesday: Call a friend and play a card game or talk about a book.
• Thursday: Learn five words in a new language.
• Friday: Work on a jigsaw puzzle.
• Saturday: Take a different route on your walk and notice something new.
• Sunday: Write a page in a journal about your week.

When to talk to your doctor

Brain games are a pleasant part of a healthy life, but they are not a way to diagnose or treat memory problems.

Talk with your doctor if:

• Puzzles or games you used to enjoy suddenly feel very hard or confusing.
• You have trouble following the rules of familiar games.
• Memory changes are affecting your daily life.
• You feel too tired, sad or worried to enjoy activities you once loved.

Your doctor can help find out what's going on and suggest the right next steps.