Summary
- What are brain games?
- Types of brain games
- Effects of brain games on the brain
- Top games for the brain
When we use the term brain games, it usually means games that tingle the brain cells. So, does that mean that a game of football or badminton does not involve using your brain cells at all?
Brain games essentially mean games that spark your cognitive power.
Sport games like football, badminton or basketball are more physically oriented, though, you can not completely rule out the cognitive efforts of your brain here.
Even these sports require cognitive thinking and strategies to over power the opponent. A game of football may require quick thinking and master planning to win over the opponent team.
However, in this article we will focus on brain games to improve memory and concentration. In other words, brain games for students.
Among all the brain games that increase IQ, there are two categories.
Online brain games and offline brain games.
- Online Brain Games:
With the advancements in technology, games that were once played with paper and pen are now being popularised online.
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to this type of online brain games. Some of the advantages is that it can be played anywhere without the use of extra writing material.
They can be played at your convenience, even while riding a bus to college or waiting for the bus at the bus stop.
The disadvantage of these kinds of brain games is that you are exposed to more screen time and it becomes addictive because it can be played at a time you should actually be doing something more important like listening to your lecture.
- Offline Brain Games:
Offline brain games are games that follow the old school. These games physically involve the use of another material like a paper or a pen. In this article we will focus on offline brain games that keep us off the screen for some time.
The Effect of Brain Games on The Brain
In 2014, a study was conducted by Sheila Heimen from the University of Central Florida. The study covered the perception of brain games and their effects on memory and cognitive skills.
The detailed research carried out, illustrated improvements in memory and cognitive skills as a result of memory games being played.
Studies presented the increased scores achieved in each game over a period of time. There was an evident increase in the level of skill reached, and a great deal of positive remarks about the enjoyment the games gave the players at the end of the trial.
The studies highlighted the positive correlation that the games can have on all ages and mental capabilities. When games were personalized towards the specific player and their capabilities, the outcome indicated a significant improvement in performance.
The studies tested various skills that are trained in many computer-aid memory games. Loss of memory is a pronounced fear that many aging adults are concerned about.
As we age other factors also inhibit successful aging. Therefore, memory games commonly improve skills such as speed, attention, mental flexibility, problem solving, and memory throughout their games.
Therefore, it is safe to say that brain games played within permissible time limits can have positive effects on the memory and skills of students.
Whether you are solving a math problem, or a technical question, brain games can help boost memory cells in order to think better.
9 Amazing Brain Booster Games that Students Can Indulge In
1. Chess
Chess is a popular board game involving strategy and planning. The game is very popular among students and adults.
In fact many players like Vishwanthan Anand, Gary Kasperov and Bobby Fisher have made a career solely out of playing chess.
Chess improves memory and reading skills. How you may ask? Well, chess has particular moves and rules that need to be learned before playing the game.
A research conducted by Stuart Margulies in 1991 suggested that students playing chess had better reading skills than those that did not play the game. The same article suggested three ways in which chess helped students.
Chess masters believe that chess play develops general intelligence, self-control, analytic skill, and increased ability to concentrate. They argue that enhanced reading skills naturally follow.
The teachers believe their chess playing students develop enhanced ego strength as they increase their chess competence. They argue that students who feel confident and good about themselves naturally learn to read better.
A third explanation for these enhanced reading scores is that chess participants form a pool of intellectually gifted and talented students.
Students who join this group make contact with a core of high achievers and thereby develop more academic interests.
Another example that chess is an excellent brain development game is the story of Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash who is known as the world’s fastest calculator.
After a devastating road accident that affected his brain. The doctors advised him to get involved in brain games like chess and solving puzzles.
2. Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s cube is another game to improve memory. It is a 3D cube with jumbled colours on all the faces of the cube.
The idea is to separate all the colours in each face of the cube. The game involves memorising certain formulas to solve it.
Therefore, Rubik’s cube improves memory. Apart from memory, playing the Rubik’s cube teaches patience and increases concentration.
3. Trivial Pursuits
Trivial pursuits is a game that tests your general knowledge. Trivial Pursuits is a challenging game that involves general knowledge questions. Students playing the game are usually well read and up to date with information.
Playing the game and trying to win over the opponents can encourage you to read more thereby sharpening your learning skills. This board game is a game that increases IQ.
4. Memory
A simple deck of cards can be used multiple ways to keep your brain active. Memory is one such brain development game.
It is a game where the cards are placed face down in a disorderly manner. You will then have to find the pairs of cards while recalling the placement of cards. This is one of the games to improve memory and concentration.
5. Sudoku
In the recent past, Sudoku has become a very popular game among youngsters and adults. This game of strategically placing numbers improves your analytical and cognitive brain skills.
The game of Sudoku keeps your brain active and helps kindle your thinking power.
6. Crosswords and Puzzles
Crosswords and puzzles are popular games to sharpen the brain. It improves thinking skills and makes the player alert. Crosswords also improves vocabulary that indirectly improves communication skills.
7. Taboo
Among the top brain games, Taboo is a popular game that kindles your language skills and sharpens your thinking. It is a brain booster game that encourages communication.
8. Mind Trap
Mind trap is a game that helps you to think critically. It is a set of puzzles that helps your brain to think logically.
9. I Went to The Market
I went to the market is another popular game to improve memory and concentration. This game requires no extra material and must be played when there is a large group looking for some fun entertainment.
The game involves people who mention an item you can buy from the market. Each person adds to the list while recalling what the other person has said before. This game involves concentration and memory power.
Though brain games are a popular method of sharpening your brain cells. Too much of anything can have adverse effects.
Therefore, it is advisable to play these brain games in limitations. Exceeding the limit can result in negative outcomes in the rest of your work.
There are many positive effects of playing brain booster games. Apart from sharpening your thinking skills, brain development games also promote the following
- Analytical thinking
- Awareness
- Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Problem solving skills
- Lateral thinking
- Conceptual learning
Conclusion
Brain games are a great family entertainer. These games can be played in groups or individually. While being played individually, these games act as a brain booster.
When played in groups apart from brain boosting activities, they also serve as a great source of entertainment. Brain games help to sharpen your mind skills by keeping active and alert at all times.
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