Why It’s Worth Finding Time For Brain-Boosting Games
With everything going on in our day-to-day lives, it’s so easy to overlook just how much our minds do that we don’t even realise - we’re planning, reacting, remembering, solving problems, and very often, we’re doing all of that at the same time. That’s why, when we do get a little downtime, it’s really tempting just to zone out completely, and although sometimes that can be a good thing, it isn’t always helpful.
But the thing is that giving your brain a proper break doesn’t mean you’ve got to totally switch off if that doesn’t work for you - the fact is that sometimes what your mind really needs is something relaxing but engaging that keeps you thinking but that’s also good for you because there’s no pressure or stress. And that’s why playing brain-boosting games can be a great option - read on to find out more.
A Little Challenge Goes A Long Way
We always talk about how important physical exercise is - and it definitely is! - but you can’t forget about your mental health as well because, when you think about it, your brain is just like any other part of you, and that means it’s going to benefit from variety, exercise, and a change of pace once in a while. You could do reading, writing, and general learning because they’ll all count, but there’s something extra special about games that give you everything you could need, plus they’re fun - what could be bad about that?
Games are great because they let you concentrate without having to do any multitasking, and they mean you can focus on things, think, remember details, and generally solve problems, but in a playful and creative way. And if you can give your brain something a bit different to do, that’s going to strengthen it and keep it active in a good way. Plus, the right game can be something you look forward to playing, so it’s not a chore and you’ll be more likely to do it, which is a benefit for your brain.
You Don’t Need Loads Of Time Or Special Skills
One of the nice things about brain-friendly games is that they don’t need loads of time to do them, so even if you’ve only got a few minutes, you’ll be able to fit in a game that suits your diary and your mood, whatever that might be.
That could be a puzzle, a memory challenge, a strategy game, or even something like a car game. And what’s even better is that you don’t have to be especially skilled - in fact, choosing something you can just enjoy without any pressure involved because you don’t have to be brilliant at it and you don’t even have to win, is basically part of what makes playing these games such a good idea in the first place. In the end, the goal isn’t to become the best or master whatever it is you’re playing, it’s just to engage your mind in a new and interesting way so you get the benefits, and that’s the only thing that actually matters.
Thinking Differently
Not all games are as good as others, of course, and not all games are going to give you all the things you want, so it’s wise to take a look at what’s going to work for you so you can make the most of any gaming time you might have. Some are fast and competitive, and those tend to be quite exhausting as well, but others are slower and give you more time to think, and it’s those ones that are ideal if you want to reset your mind a bit. One good example of that is online poker.
Poker is great because you’ve got to weigh up different options, make decisions, weigh up risk, and keep track of patterns that might be happening, so it’s really strategic and you’ve got to pay attention. Plus, it can be a fun thing to do because of the social element - even online you’ll often be able to chat with other players, and that’s great for boosting your mood.
Take Breaks That Really Help
If your usual go-to during a break is checking your phone or reading the news, you’re not alone - but those quick fixes often don’t leave us feeling any better (and in fact, they can often make us feel worse!).
A brain-boosting game, on the other hand, gives you something totally different, and it’s a nice escape from the more negative things that still keeps your brain nice and active - it’s the best solution all round. By the time you get back to your to-do list, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to go!
