Did you know that certain games can help improve cognitive skills, reflexes and abstract thinking?
And getting smarter is never a waste of time unless you are the smartest human in the world. Did you also know that, while game apps are ever popular, so are board games? The number-crunchers over at statista.com have reported tremendous growth of global board game market value beginning in 2017 at $7 Billion and project that number to soar to $12 Billion through 2023.
Suffice it to say that digital and physical games are here to stay, and if you’re interested in working on your brain, below, we discuss games that make you smarter.
Word Games
Word Games are familiar to almost everyone. There are the classics like crossword puzzles and Scrabble, along with thousands of apps. Whichever word game you choose, there’s a host of advantages for your brain to feast on.
- Increased neuroplasticity
- Improved vocabulary and spelling
- Better communication skills
- Increased attention span
- Improved creative problem solving
With so many choices, it’s a brain exercise just choosing your game…unless there existed a certain, locally loved specialty retailer that designs baskets with game themes. By golly and 🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨, I’ve found one! BasketWorks’ Boredom Buster Gift Basket.
Of course, this is just one of many gift baskets with brainy games like a crossword and 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.
Memory Games and Puzzles
Improving your memory and problem-solving skills can be easy and fun if you take the right approach. Puzzles are one of the best ways to sharpen your abstract thinking and heighten your memory.
- Rubik’s Cube
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Simon Says
- Jenga
- Sudoku
Just don’t be that person who shares your high scores on social media!
Strategy Games
More often, multiplayer strategy games can be a fun way to compete with a friend while giving your noodle a workout.
Forcing you to think quickly, strategy games are a great way to boost your decision-making skills and make you a better strategist. Learning to quickly analyze a situation and choose the best option can sound stressful, but playing strategy games can help improve those skills, giving you the confidence to think on your feet and make great decisions.
With unlimited options, here are just a few to get the ball rolling:
- Board Games (Monopoly, Risk, Settlers of Catan)
- Kids games (Sorry, Trouble)
- Chess
- Tetris
- Role-Playing Games
- Countless apps and video games
Solo or with friends, strategy games are always a winner when you’re looking for ways to train your noggin.
Now that you’ve got some ideas for ways to exercise your brain, get gaming!
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