The Internet is full of brain games, and their purpose is to help you train your cognitive skills and memory too. Probably you’ve already played some puzzles or something like that, which is marked as brain trainer. There are apps for every age, even though we want to think that they are only for children. But, even adults sometimes need to boost their brain activity, to improve the cognitive reactions. Our smartphones support all the types of games related to training your brain, and we are sure that you at least tried some of them.
Some studies showed that online games, as you can find on ToomkyGames, can really improve the thinking and processing speed, boost memory, and increase some basic cognitive functions in your brain. Some people say that there is no benefit of constantly playing on your phone or computer, but most of those who already play this type of games say they have better abilities to make decisions, to see the details, and to change the patterns of thinking, so they can come to better solutions.
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Which games are helping us to improve our cognitive skills?
One of the most basic examples is solving a Sudoku puzzle. You have to fill up the table with the numbers from 1 to 9, so they won’t repeat in a column, row, or in the smaller sub-square of 3×3. Crosswords are good for your memory because you will have to recall something you learned at school. It will be difficult at first, but then your brain will be able to remember even the things you think you’ve forgotten. Puzzle games are also great because you have to activate your senses and decide which move to make next.
Also, there are games that will improve your logical thinking, for example connecting the words from two piles, finding the obvious connection between them. Then, you can choose to play quizzes, and that will again improve the memory, but also the speed of thinking, especially if you have a limited time to answer the question. You have thousands of options, and it’s on you to find what will work the best for you.
Can I expect to get smarter?
These games, sadly, won’t make you smarter or more intelligent. That’s something you already have. You only have to learn how to use that intelligence the best you can. Puzzles and crosswords won’t help you get smarter, but they can surely boost the capacities you already have, so you can use them even better. As you get better at some game, you don’t need to stay there. Your brain already knows the patterns, and even if it seems like you are doing something to improve those skills, you are making them lazy. So, if you really like to enhance your cognitive skills, memory, and thinking patterns, you have to combine these games with real work, reading books, taking daily walks or other physical activity, and so on. On the other hand, they can improve the focus, and that’s what you need to be better at in your job and daily tasks.
So, as you can see, we already mentioned some of the benefits of these games, but let’s sum them up:
1. Improving your cognitive skills
You will be able to see details, match them, and use what you know from the previous levels, so you can complete the advanced ones. As you progress, these things will become easier for you, and you will be asking yourself why it was so difficult at the beginning.
2. Better memory
As you recall your previous knowledge, or you memorize details to solve the task, you are getting more focused and concentrated, and you are able to connect things and find the best solutions possible.
3. Improving the focus
When you are focused on what you do, you will do that better. It’s the same with the games. Since they are more entertaining and interesting compared to our job, you will have a funnier way to improve the focus. And as you do that, you can come to better solutions to some problems, which leads us to the next benefit…
4. Better problem-solving skills
If you are able to solve something in your game, connect the dots, and come to some important conclusion, then you can do the same in the real life. Things are a little bit different because you will “play” against the people around you, not your phone or computer, and you will have to take a lot of details in mind until you find the right solution. But, the truth is you will really get better at that.
What you can’t expect from brain training games?
They won’t do a miracle. Every person should be aware of their abilities and be realistic about that. Not every kid at school has a talent for math. Some of them are better at languages, or there are talented artists and singers. Every one of us is different, and we can’t expect that some app will make all of us equal when it comes to intelligence and cognitive skills.
This shouldn’t discourage you, just the opposite – you must be motivated to use the maximum capacity of your brain. Don’t try to “save” it, because it won’t drain. You will have it for a lifetime, and you will be able to use the proper skills according to your age.
Playing cognitive-boosting games is only one of the ways to keep your brain healthy and active. But, at the same time, there are plenty of other things you can do, including exposure to fresh air, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sleep better at night, and so on.
In the end, we will only tell you to do things that are comfortable for you. If the brain trainers are not your cup of tea, then you are free to find the activity that will help you keep it active throughout the day. It’s only on you to make that decision.