Mental Health

5 ways to train your brain

Boost thinking, memory, and more with regular workouts for your mind.

Illustration of a brain

You’re probably already doing a lot to help keep your brain healthy. You try to eat well. You’re active. Maybe you even do a daily word puzzle. Those are all smart moves. But have you tried training your brain? That is when you follow a science-based plan designed to improve your cognitive skills. 

Here’s how to get started.

  1. Take a tour at a local museum. When you take a guided tour at a museum, zoo, or other destination, your brain has a lot of work to do. You’re listening to your tour guide, learning about something new, and thinking about it later. 

    All this can help improve brain function. And here’s how to level up your learning: Once you’re home, see how much of the tour you can recall. Write an outline that recreates your experience. 

  2. Learn a TikTok dance. Do you like to get your groove on? Research shows that learning new dance moves can be great for your brain and your body. Ask your favorite teen to join you, or sign up for a dance class. 

  3. Join a game club. Playing bridge, mah-jongg, or other games that require strategy is good for brain health. One recent study showed increased cognitive function for older adults who played cards or mah-jongg regularly. No game club in your area? Talk to your public library or other community leaders about starting one. 

  4. Try BrainHQ. Brain training gives your brain a workout, just like a trainer in the gym helps give your body a workout. And the best part? Through One Pass, you have access to a digital brain training tool called BrainHQ. Go to ibxmedicare.com/onepass to learn more. 

  5. Keep challenging yourself. Feeling good about everything you’re doing (or are about to start doing) for your brain health? Keep it up! A recent study showed that regularly  completing number-based puzzles could be good for brain function. Complete the puzzle below and check “challenging myself” off your to-do list today! 

Sudoku challenge

Give this 4-by-4 sudoku puzzle a try.

Rules:

  • Complete the sudoku board using only the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • Each number can be used once per row, and once per column.
  • The starting numbers must stay where they are
Sudoku Puzzle

Solution: Row 1: 2, 4, 3, 1; Row 2: 3, 1, 2, 4; Row 3: 1, 2, 4, 3; Row 4: 4, 3, 1, 2 

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