So if your career is your biggest financial asset, what's the key to having a great career? I'd like to submit that your mind/brain is the vital link that enables you to have a great career. Sure, many other factors contribute, but I think it's the mind.
So that leads to this question:
What do you do to keep your mind healthy/sharp?
If your answer is "nothing" or if you do something and would like some additional ideas, here are five great games that will super charge your brain:
- Sudoku
- Lumosity
- Bloxorz
- Happy Neuron
- Chess
Studies have shown that you can keep your mind sharp by exercising it, and these five are great ways to do so.
Personally, I do a sudoku puzzle and a few chess problems every day. It's a fun way to start the day (I usually do them first thing in the morning) and a simple investment in the health of my mind.
So...what do you do to keep your mind healthy/sharp?
I read daily. But beyond that, research is pretty clear that regular physical exercise is just as important. Many dementias are vascular in origin, where arteries to the brain are clogged.
Keep moving!
Posted by: rwh | September 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Basically, any video game where you are making quick decisions or solving puzzles is a brain exercise. You don't have to pay extra for crappy quality games in order to get the workout.
Play any strategy game that involves making quick decisions. Play any management game. Play any of these simple point and click fast games like Diner Dash where shape and colour have to be matched. Play a variety of games to ensure you keep your skills sharp across the board. Especially if you play against live opponents who are trying to out think you.
Tip, avoid TV . . . it rots your brain. ;)
Posted by: Traciatim | September 25, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I read books/magazines. The majority of games on my Nintendo DS have some sort of brain training activities in them. I used to do Sudoku but in the book I have only the advanced games are left and they make me feel more stupid when I mess up :)
Posted by: Mark | September 25, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Studies show that vigourous cardiovascular exercise is more effective to long-term mental acuity than such "brain exercises."
Get up from the Chess board, put down your Sudoku, and get moving!
Posted by: CoolHappyGuy | September 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I've always loved puzzles and buying one of those big puzzle books at the airport can keep me amused for days. I do a sudoku every day too. Someone bought me a "one sudoku a day" desk calendar, so it's always right there. And crosswords every week when my Irish Times is delivered.
Posted by: guinness416 | September 25, 2008 at 12:59 PM
If I remember correctly, FMF gets plenty of physical exercise, too. Seems I remember him saying his resting heart rate is down in the low 50's. By the by, FMF, my low is now 56...not that I'm competing or anything. :-)
Posted by: Paul | September 25, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Paul --
You have a good memory...
Posted by: FMF | September 25, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Brain Age on the DS. It really works, and it's fun
Posted by: Justin | September 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM
1) I participate in a lot of debate and discussion, usually involving a fair bit of research.
2) I read a lot outside of debate, in large part related to #3 below...
3) I teach. Nothing gets the brain working like having to come up with ways to get 4th graders to understand how an airplane flies.
4) I play some computer games that are based on probability (poker, minesweeper), some that are based on strategy (Starcraft), some that are based on spatial reasoning and motion (Descent), and some that are based on careful planning (freecell). I've never really been into the common "stretch your brain" games like word games or Sudoku.
5) I play Dungeons and Dragons in a group. It's required me to stretch in a lot of ways -- social leadership, staying "in character", developing tactics based on knowledge of my teammates' personalities and abilities, planning interesting encounters, etc.
Posted by: LotharBot | September 25, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I enjoy a few brain-sharpeners already mentioned. In addition, I play the Eastern game "go" (Japanese) / "baduk" (Korean) / "weiqi" (Chinese). Daily problems are at http://www.goproblems.com and online play via IGS (homepage = http://www.pandanet.co.jp/English/).
Posted by: Dimitri | September 25, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Hmmm. How about porn? That must exercise some part of the brain....?
Posted by: big cheese | September 26, 2008 at 03:48 AM
I love Magic: the Gathering
Posted by: Kacper | September 26, 2008 at 04:48 AM