7 Games to Relieve Stress and Improve Overall Cognitive Function
Stress and Anxiety Reaching Near Epidemic Levels In our society, more people than ever are looking for ways to relax, relieve tension, and regain control of their lives.
It turns out that there are various brain-boosting games that can help you reduce stress while promoting improved cognitive function. Indeed, some games can help you be more present in everyday tasks by increasing focus, concentration, and problem-solving skills, which can help you stop obsessing over the past or worrying about things. future events. And the bonus? They are funny ! Let’s get into the games.
1. Rubik’s cube
First invented in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube became a global sensation when it was first released around the world. As you probably know, the object of the game is to start with a random, shuffled, disorganized cube configuration and, by rotating the faces, return to the original solution pattern, each side being a single color.
Due to its complexity, Rubik’s Cubes provide a number of benefits, including improved memory, patience, problem-solving skills, and mental agility. Interestingly, when Erno Rubik invented it, he wasn’t sure it could ever be solved. After developing the prototype, it took him a whole month to finally come up with a solution.
2. Jigsaw puzzles
Puzzles are a fantastic game to help stimulate short term memory. The more pieces the puzzle contains, the more your brain has to work. This is because your brain has to observe, analyze, and sort through hundreds (sometimes thousands) of little bits until you can find a match.
On top of that, puzzles are great because they stimulate both the left and right sides of your brain. Since to complete a puzzle you will have to use logic, intuition and the creative functions of your brain.
3. Sudoku
Did you know that between 10 and 15% of the American population suffers from dementia? If that’s a stat you’re concerned about, you might want to consider giving Sudoku a try.
According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry , playing Sudoku can help improve brain function and ward off dementia. In fact, those who do puzzles like jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku have equivalent brain functions to people who are ten years younger than them.
4. Chess
Chess is a game played and loved all over the world. Due to its seemingly endless complexity and scope for strategy, people from all walks of life devote hours of their time to learning chess and challenging their minds.
As a result, playing this centuries-old game has many benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, improved memory, and increased concentration. Interestingly, a 2019 study found chess to be another effective way to protect older adults from dementia.
5. Solitaire
Next on our list we have Solitaire , which is one of the oldest and most played card games in history. Having first been introduced towards the end of the 18th century, there are now hundreds of different game variations, each with its own set of rules and victory conditions.
The general concept of most versions of Solitaire is to arrange the cards in a certain sequence (usually from ace to king in each suit) while being limited to a few allowed moves. Thus, to win, the game requires patience, critical thinking, memory and the ability to recognize patterns, which is why Solitaire is often considered one of the best games for boosting cognitive performance .
6. Crosswords
Crosswords are another classic game that can help you relax, unwind, and exercise your brain. These games can Need help? Improve your vocabulary by trying to pull the missing word from the clues while increasing your knowledge base on important topics (especially popular culture references). In addition to this, you can also use crossword puzzles to build social bonds.
Since crosswords require a wide range of knowledge, people of all ages and walks of life can help. So the next time you’re stumped for an answer, don’t hesitate to approach the person next to you for a helping hand.
7. Scrabble
Scrabble is another game that will help improve your vocabulary skills , as you have to try to make a word with the tiles you have available. With a comprehensive dictionary of words to choose from, you can be sure that every round will be different every time you play Scrabble.
