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 scientists have studied the way the mind works, and research shows that certain activities stimulate mental acuity, while others retard it. Games that stimulate the mind are also designed to train it, bringing about improvement in focus and retention. This helps slow memory loss and make accomplishing tasks easier, both important factors as people age. The games consist of timed challenges that call for quick decisions. Early studies show the importance of decision-making on mental health; nursing home patients allowed to participate in daily tasks and make choices for themselves functioned better for longer than those relegated to inactivity.
The effects of regular engagement in mental gymnastics extend into every area of daily life. People who were followed through a course of game training showed more creativity. They were able to focus much better on tasks, thereby getting through them faster and more completely. Motivation was increased, as well, which combined with the greater ability to concentrate to allow users to accomplish much more and get more satisfaction from the process.
Any good thing can be over-done. Too much healthy food turns toxic, too much water can cause malnutrition, too much exercise can be harmful. In the same way, over-use of computer games will be counter-productive. Everything should be in moderation. The creators of the gaming programs suggest twenty-minute sessions several times a week. Some sites warn that they can be addictive.
Other things that affect mental health in a positive way should not be neglected. These include social interaction; engaging in fun activities with other people is important. Games that involve two or more provide both mental challenge and personal relationships. Physical activity increases circulation and gets more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, so if the game includes moving around, so much the better.
The old fashioned board games - like Backgammon, Mah Jongg, and Scrabble, are an alternative to computer games. Studies show that variety is another mental stimulation, so try to avoid habitual activities by varying leisure time pursuits. Playing with others has a positive effect on the frontal lobe, the part of the mind that controls decision making and planning skills, while reducing the production of stress hormones.
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.
Getting a good score when playing an online game can be up-lifting, as well. Many programs actually chart progress in mental skill enhancement. Although online gaming is not a replacement for socializing and physical activity, it can be a valuable addition.
Neuro scientists have studied the way the mind works, and research shows that certain activities stimulate mental acuity, while others retard it. Games that stimulate the mind are also designed to train it, bringing about improvement in focus and retention. This helps slow memory loss and make accomplishing tasks easier, both important factors as people age. The games consist of timed challenges that call for quick decisions. Early studies show the importance of decision-making on mental health; nursing home patients allowed to participate in daily tasks and make choices for themselves functioned better for longer than those relegated to inactivity.
The effects of regular engagement in mental gymnastics extend into every area of daily life. People who were followed through a course of game training showed more creativity. They were able to focus much better on tasks, thereby getting through them faster and more completely. Motivation was increased, as well, which combined with the greater ability to concentrate to allow users to accomplish much more and get more satisfaction from the process.
Any good thing can be over-done. Too much healthy food turns toxic, too much water can cause malnutrition, too much exercise can be harmful. In the same way, over-use of computer games will be counter-productive. Everything should be in moderation. The creators of the gaming programs suggest twenty-minute sessions several times a week. Some sites warn that they can be addictive.
Other things that affect mental health in a positive way should not be neglected. These include social interaction; engaging in fun activities with other people is important. Games that involve two or more provide both mental challenge and personal relationships. Physical activity increases circulation and gets more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, so if the game includes moving around, so much the better.
The old fashioned board games - like Backgammon, Mah Jongg, and Scrabble, are an alternative to computer games. Studies show that variety is another mental stimulation, so try to avoid habitual activities by varying leisure time pursuits. Playing with others has a positive effect on the frontal lobe, the part of the mind that controls decision making and planning skills, while reducing the production of stress hormones.
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.
Getting a good score when playing an online game can be up-lifting, as well. Many programs actually chart progress in mental skill enhancement. Although online gaming is not a replacement for socializing and physical activity, it can be a valuable addition.
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