Making It a Part of Your Daily Routine
The key to seeing any potential benefit from brain-training apps, much like physical exercise, is consistency. Making it a regular habit is more important than spending hours on it sporadically. Here are some simple, practical tips for weaving these mental exercises into your daily life.
- Pair It with an Existing Habit: The easiest way to build a new routine is to link it to an old one. Try doing your daily brain training while you enjoy your morning coffee or tea, right after you finish reading the newspaper, or for a few minutes before you watch your favorite evening television show.
- Put Your Device in a Visible Place: If you use a tablet for your games, leave it out on your kitchen table or a side table where you’ll see it. This visual cue can remind you to take a few minutes for your cognitive training.
- Make It a Social Activity: If you have a friend, partner, or family member who is also interested, you can do it together. You can compare scores in a friendly way or simply encourage each other to stay consistent. This adds a wonderful social element to the activity, which is also excellent for brain health.
- Focus on Enjoyment: Choose an app with games you genuinely find fun and interesting. If it feels like a chore, you are less likely to stick with it. Don’t be afraid to try a different app if the one you’re using isn’t holding your interest. The goal is positive mental engagement, not a stressful task.
- Listen to Your Body and Mind: On days when you feel tired or aren’t in the mood, it’s okay to take a break. Consistency is important, but so is being kind to yourself. A healthy routine is flexible and doesn’t add stress to your life.
– Set a Specific, Modest Goal: Instead of a vague goal like “I’ll use the app more,” be specific. For example, “I will complete three games on my app every day.” A small, achievable goal builds momentum and makes the habit stick. Ten to fifteen minutes a day is a wonderful target.
