Mind Games that Are Great for the Brain

As the old saying goes, "use it or lose it." Your brain does not operate on a storage type basis-like a filing cabinet, neatly stocking bits of information in different places. In fact, it stores information in synaptic connections-little electrical connections between nerves in your brain. These connections form patterns, and practicing these patterns by using the same connections will help keep them fresh and in good working order. In the same vein, if you let them go and don't reconnect these same connections, they could be lost.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to do the same math problems over and over again, or put together a bicycle from ground up repeatedly to retain this information (though I'm sure that would help). Using the same functions in the brain will help it retain and pull these synaptic connections quicker. This could work to some extent with the memorization of straight facts, but also with logic, pattern building, and different kinds of recognition-all of which can be strengthened somewhat by mind games.

Here are some mind games that may not keep you in the upper echelons of Ivy League schools for all your day, but can to some extent strengthen some of these connections and help strengthen the mind and foster better mental acuity.

Sudoku: This is a personal favorite mind game of mine, mostly because I enjoy employing patterns and logic. There are many online sources, as well as printed books of Sudoku puzzles that are available. http://www.websudoku.com/

Crossword Puzzles: Though I generally have not been quite as good at these, they are a great option for mind games. Crossword puzzles require you to recall vocabulary (which is the memorization aspect), but also think critically about what the answer could be. Like any puzzle, it involves logic (especially as the puzzle starts to fill). Again, there are many online and paper sources for these: http://puzzles.usatoday.com/ Or, you can print out puzzles from online, such as fellow AC contributor Bailey Black's Crossword Puzzle.

Scrabble (or one of its many offshoots): Like crossword puzzles, Scrabble requires you to draw on vocabulary and think critically about what words can be formed using your set of letters. This employs logic, too, and strategy when it comes to laying words and particular letters on special spots on the board. The other great aspect of Scrabble is its social value. As a group game, it allows you to learn new words and see different patterns demonstrated by others. You can play face to face, or online such as in the Facebook application Lexulous-which I've played and greatly enjoyed with a few friends through the site. http://apps.facebook.com/lexulous/

Tetris: This also includes my all-time favorite mind videogame, Dr. Mario. Tetris strengthens the mind by forcing you to see spatial patterns, utilize logic, and conduct strategy (in getting extra points, eliminating several rows at once, etc). Again, this too has a social and possibly competitive quality to it-which makes it incredibly fun. The fact of the matter is that if you have fun with it, you'll be more likely to engage in that activity, and in this case more likely to strengthen your brain! http://www.tetris.com/

Chess: I haven't played chess in years, but perhaps I should-it is a mind game that helps tune planning and strategy skills (perfect for a soon-to-be-graduating college student). There is an incredible amount of logic involved, and it is a complex game in which you need to understand the roles of each piece and predict your opponent's moves accordingly. Chess is a great option for anyone that wants to tune mechanical and other big picture, systems intelligence. I would call it the ultimate mind game, and a social one as well! http://www.chess.com/

Like I said, playing these mind games won't ensure you a position at Harvard, or that you'll be able to do calculus when you're 90 years old. They will, however, award you the opportunity to practice those synaptic connections and strengthen your mental acuity. Who doesn't want more brain power?