Parents have long barked on at their children to spend fewer hours in front of a computer screen and more time playing outside, but there is evidence emerging to show that gaming can actually be good for healthy brain development. Some types of games are particularly useful for children and adults alike and can help with many different aspects of cognitive function. Here we take a look at some ways to keep your brain healthy through playing.
Math is one of the most important subjects at school, but for many, it’s also one of the dullest. Solving problems that have no relevance to real life just doesn’t fill many people with motivation. According to the Mind Research Institute, having a strong foundation in math helps people strengthen their hypotheses posing skills, analysing ability, and makes them open to absorbing new information. But how can people keep up with their math practice while still enjoying themselves?
There are a few games that people can play and keep their numerical skills sharp at the same time. Darts is one obvious example, as it requires players to add up their total from three darts and then subtract it from their score. The classic pub game is also great for socialising – something which comes with its own health benefits. For people who like to play games on the computer, blackjack is a prime example of a card game which requires players to be adept at math. This site lists numerous online casinos that have blackjack games, with strategies and tips on how to play as well.
Chess is another excellent option for brain training, and it can easily be played online nowadays. There has been extensive research into the health benefits of the strategy game, and it has been likened to weightlifting for the brain with the way it helps to strengthen the muscle. According to this article in the Scientific American, the brains of chess grandmasters actually work differently to the average human’s. They tend to have more gamma bursts in the frontal and parietal cortices, which indicates that they are tapping into their memories of moves in order to work out a solution. Indeed, some research has suggested that playing chess on a regular basis can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
For mobile gamers, there are plenty of apps which are specifically designed for brain training. One of the best known is Peak, which boasts a huge collection of mini-games designed to focus on various aspects of brain function. Players can look at graphs and track their progress, so that they can easily see what they need to work on.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that some games are highly beneficial to brain function, and can be used as a way to keep mentally sharp. Everything should be done in moderation, though, and it is important to find the balance between playing games and following more active pursuits.