Free Games to Retain Mental Acuity

Actively challenging your brain is one of the more effective ways to help retain clarity of thought, assist in maintaining good memory and recall and keep it functioning in top condition. It's the same general idea as exercising and training muscles in your body to maintain top form, except the brain needs a different kind of workout. This kind of exercise doesn't require expensive equipment and can be performed by anyone.

Memory

• Testing your memory is good brain exercise.

  Memory and recall are important parts of thought. Next time you make a grocery or to-do list, commit all the items on the list to memory and see if the knowledge is still there an hour or more later.

  After getting back from a place you've never been before, try to draw a map of it.

  Study a row of game cards, photographs or flash cards, turn them all upside down and then, starting at the beginning, state what each card is before flipping them back up.

Concentration

• Really pay attention to what you're doing.

  Concentration is about paying extra attention to things you normally wouldn't, and further engaging your brain. Listen to a song you've never heard before and try to memorize the lyrics. Draw upon as many senses as you can. Food is a good example for something to try this with. Besides just tasting something, also pay close attention to the texture, smell and even sound the food makes.

Stimulation

• Playing musical instruments can help stimulate your brain.

  Trying new things is a great way to energize your brain. Learning a new instrument can really enhance brain activity and be a fun new hobby. There are simpler ways to do this as well, such as trying a new route home, learning a new skill like knitting or crocheting and then teaching it to some one else, or attending a meditation class and striking up a conversation with some one you don't know, after the class of course.

Challenges

• Puzzles are fun and invigorate the mind.

  Try brushing with the "wrong" hand, showering with your eyes closed, navigating your way through the house blindfolded. Don't forget all the puzzles in your newspaper like Sudoku and crosswords. These little tests can help kindle other ideas for experiences that animate the brain. It can be as simple as venturing outside your comfort zone and discovering the world around you.