Boosting brain fitness isn’t as challenging as some people think, and is in fact easier than it has ever been. Today, you have access to an almost unlimited number of mental exercises, such as word and math games, on your smartphone. However, even as a video gamer, your brain gets a workout since most video games are actually puzzles in disguise. So how can this help in business? From improving memory to holistic health, here are some surprising examples.
Improved Mental Performance
The brain works best when it is challenged, and there are some quick and easy ways you can do this. Word (and math) games are great for giving your grey matter a workout and sharpening pretty much all of your mental abilities. Something like a crossword engages both sides of the brain, meaning your creative and logical skills are switched on (known as bilateral integration), which scientists believe is when the brain works at a much higher level for improved function.
Boosting Brain Fitness for Better Memory
Various studies have concluded that roughly 40% of people experience memory issues past the age of 65. But why should we accept this as a part of aging? You may not know that studies have also found that word games can help with age-related memory loss and dementia:
- Word, puzzle, and math games help strengthen the brain muscle for better resilience.
- Since these games focus on language, they help strengthen neural pathways.
- Age-related mental decline and memory can be offset with faster processing speeds.
Improved Cerebral Health
Mental decline is one of the most feared age-related issues that most people will face. Illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions play a key role in age-related problems, but they don’t have to. Studies have shown that regular brain stimulation helps stave off some of the worst symptoms. There have even been studies that have shown how word games help reduce brain shrinkage, keeping you business-sharp for many years to come.
Mental Stress and Anxiety Management
From the outside, it is easy to assume that high-flying executives such as CEOs and CFOs have an easy life. However, research into these kinds of business individuals has found that many experience high levels of stress and severe anxiety because of the pressure of their jobs. You can offload some of this with word games that provide entertainment while helping you feel good, as it is believed that solving puzzles, such as crosswords, releases serotonin.
Social Connection for Boosting Brain Fitness
You may not know it, but playing word and other types of games is popular among high-level individuals like CEOs. A survey by PopCap found that 35% of CEOs play games at work, with 65% playing daily. Further, Bill Gates completes word puzzles as part of his morning routine. So this is a good indicator that you can keep your brain sharp for business with word and math games. However, boosting brain fitness can also be good for forging social connections.
Some friendly competition
Competition in business isn’t anything new. However, rather than boardroom ballet, word games can help keep things light and friendly, potentially leading to friendships and opportunities.
Connecting across distance
Doing business with others often requires carefully scheduled calls and conferences across time zones. However, playing games together allows you to maintain relationships when separated.
Reduced social anxiety
Even some of the world’s most feared CEOs experience anxiety. Playing games together can help you bond, have some laughs, and break the ice before getting down to business.
Communication is key in modern business, and word games can indeed help you foster stronger relationships through an enjoyable experience. With challenges, team-based activities, and a low-pressure environment, it can be much easier to encourage meaningful interactions.
Embracing New Challenges
It’s hard to find a successful business person who doesn’t enjoy a challenge. Whether it’s personal life, running a company, or even in entertainment, you can boost your brain health with word games, puzzles, and video games. Of course, your brain will also become disengaged if your challenge is too easy. After all, it’s no fun beating an inferior opponent, as you haven’t challenged yourself. So, keep increasing the challenge to ensure your brain gets worked out.
Consistency is Key
Like physical exercise, the brain must also be worked out regularly for the best results. If you begin, then stop, it doesn’t really do much to help you. A consistent approach to word games and other mental challenges will ensure your brain actually grows and adapts. That’s why most people who enjoy a mental workout make it a part of their routine. Making puzzles and word games a part of your morning commute will help keep the brain engaged and learning.
Boosting Brain Fitness with Physical Health
It is widely agreed that physical health complements mental health very strongly, with around 80% of physically fit people recognizing the connection. Word games work really well as part of a physical and social lifestyle with a healthy diet as a holistic approach to personal health:
- Before engaging in a physical exercise, complete a quick brain teaser.
- Use each repetition or jogging time to work on challenges such as riddles.
- Alternate between mental exercise and physical exertion when working out.
Variety for Enhancing Lifestyle
There are many word games and puzzles out there, so why stick to the same ones? It’s easy to become disengaged with mental challenges when they begin to feel boring, much like physical exercises. You don’t go to the gym and perform the same routine every day, so why do it for the brain? You will get much more enjoyment and better results from puzzles and word games by mixing them up a little, which also helps engage different areas of the brain to be more effective.
Summary
Much improved overall mental performance is one of the best reasons to begin boosting brain fitness with word games to stay sharp in business. You can also use word games to network and engage in friendly competition, but remember to vary the challenge to keep it interesting.
