Share

Keep your brain fit

Just like your body benefits from exercise, so can your brain.

Studies suggest that keeping your grey matter in shape can lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Our brain exercise programme is designed to give you a framework for keeping your brain in shape. Sticking to the schedule should ensure that you maintain a decent amount of brain activity.

We have divided the programme into monthly and weekly tasks.

Monthly
Every month you should do at least one of the following:

Read two books of at least 200 pages
Spend at least 12 hours learning a new language
Spend at least 12 hours learning to play a musical instrument Weekly
Every week you should do at least two of the following:

  • Play a game of chess (try to keep it going for at least 30 minutes)
  • Do a crossword puzzle (completing at least 90 percent of the puzzle)
  • Play a few hands of bridge
  • Read an intellectually stimulating magazine or spend some time on Health24.com
  • Spend 30 minutes writing with your non-dominant hand (do not strain it)
  • Write an epic poem
  • Spend 30 minutes on brain exercises (a few ideas are listed below)

Some brain exercise ideas:

  • Choose a letter of the alphabet and think of names starting with that letter
  • Try to do daily tasks with your eyes closed or using your non-dominent hand (make sure what you are doing is safe)
  • Try to read upside down

Take a holistic approach
It is also important to engage your brain in a variety of activities. Thus, the exercises listed here, plus social interaction, relaxation and work, are all important. In addition to the above, research has strongly suggested that good nutrition and physical fitness are important for maintaining a healthy brain.

We suggest that you combine the brain exercise programme with a Fitness programme and make sure that you are eating for a Healthy brain.

Read more:
Active people less prone to Alzheimer's.
Memory test.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE