Top 5 games and puzzles to give your brain a boost

Push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups? No sweat!

You’ve got an exercise routine that keeps you toned, in shape and feeling good. But what kind of workout is your brain getting on a daily basis?

Games are a low-tech, low-cost way to stimulate the brain and keep your mind sharp. Regularly playing games can:

• increase focus, concentration and memory.

• potentially slow or delay age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

• help to be more present in day-to-day activities.

Certain types of games can activate the left side of the brain — which performs tasks related to logic, such as science and mathematics. Generally, games like Sudoku and puzzles challenge the left side of the brain. The right side of the brain is more visual and intuitive and is energized by creative hobbies such as painting, writing or playing an instrument.

While we can’t help you with your violin lessons, we do have some game suggestions to train your brain for a long and healthy life.

1. Scrabble

This classic word game works to enrich your vocabulary and train your mind to focus on a sole task. With the entire dictionary to choose from, every round is different and always a challenge.

2. Sudoku

Sudoku is a number puzzle where you have to fill a grid with numbers 1 through 9 with each number appearing only once in a row, column or box. This game forces you to think critically and helps improve concentration skills.

3. Crossword Puzzles

One study in the Journal of the International Neuropsychology Society found a possible connection between completing crossword puzzles and the delayed onset of accelerated memory decline in people who developed dementia.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are great because they exercise both the left and right sides of the brain. Puzzles require logic, intuition and creativity. It’s also easy to get lost in them for hours.

5. Chess

If the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” isn’t inspirational enough, just know that playing chess results in better brain function, improved memory, strategic thinking and increased attention spans.

The information included within this article is AT&T-sponsored content written by a Currently Media editorial contributor. The statements in this article do not necessarily reflect the positions, strategies or opinions of AT&T.