Brain Challenge Games - Use it Or Lose It

You've no doubt heard the expression, use it or lose it. This usually refers to physical fitness and is a true statement of what happens if we get lazy with our workouts. But the brain needs to be kept as fit as the rest of the body. The fun way to do it is through brain challenge games.

We begin to lose some of our brain power as early as age 30. But it is possible to prevent this from occurring and to even reverse losses. We can do that by challenging and actively engaging the brain.

There are lots of ways to give our brain the workout it needs. Forget the dull drudgery stuff like memorizing chemistry formulas or Shakespearean sonnets. Instead bring on the games for the brain.

So what exactly is a brain challenge game? Simply put, it's a fun activity that makes you think and reason in different ways. You can't do only crunches to get your entire body in shape. In the same way, you can't do only one kind of activity to get your whole brain in shape.

Fortunately, there are lots of different kinds of games to challenge the brain.

If you enjoy paper and pencil activities, you'll probably like to work on crossword puzzles, word searches or Sudoku.

For video game lovers, you need look no further than the Nintendo DS for their Brain Training or Big Brain Academy games.

The latest new thing has been the surge in popularity in online brain training games. There are games to improve every area of brain function. And they are so entertaining you can easily give up a TV show or two to play.

What a concept; exercise your brain and have fun doing it! That's what these online brain challenge games are all about.

The History of Crossword Puzzles

The first book of crosswords was published in 1924. It became a best-seller and crosswords replaced mahjongg as the most popular American game. Crossword puzzle design and solving is an excellent way to sharpen focus. Regardless of whether design and or solve numerous crossword puzzles, you will learn one more way to enhance memory and creative expression. Some even say that crossword puzzles help keep Alzheimer's at bay.

Nearly all word games improve spelling, the appeal of word-games is very easy to understand. Crossword puzzles encourage logical thinking and correct spelling. Some of crossword clues are straightforward and only require a wide vocabulary. However some contain devious clues, where there is always a logical link between the clue and the solution.

Some of crossword clues are straightforward and only need a wide vocabulary. While other clues induce a probability distribution over viable targets, which must somehow be respected along with the constraints of the puzzle. However devious the clue, there is always, in a well-set crossword puzzle a logical link between the clue and the solution. At best, clues induce a probability distribution over viable targets, which must somehow be respected along with the constraints of the puzzle. Some have begun using computers to solve crosswords, while others solve crosswords using the familiar and time-honored tradition of putting pen to paper. Crosswords encourage people to use dictionaries, both specialized crossword dictionaries as well as collegiate and unabridged dictionary volumes. Some believe that the pen and pencil mode indicate a degree of confidence in solutions and problem solving. Crossword puzzlers should always remember, that just because you wrote something down, doesn't make it right.

All in all, crosswords are very inexpensive, intellectually stimulating, calls for no partner and, most importantly, helps one forget the stresses and tensions of modern living. Intellectual stimulation is sought by the very intelligent and crosswords offer a release from mental tension. Creative crosswords afford little of that intellectual excitement that a more complicated crossword does. Crossword puzzles are very popular in many countries.

How Sudoku Helps Your Brain From Dying

Sudoku is a game that identified the new millennium. It has become popular in recent years that it is already considered a phenomenon by some people. If you have not heard of Sudoku, then you must be living in a cave. It is a big mystery to people who don't play the game but to those who regularly play it, they know why it is such a special puzzle.

It's easy to find Sudoku puzzles information. It's everywhere nowadays. It's in newspapers like crossword puzzles. Books about it are also available in bookstores. These books teach its techniques, tips and tricks on how to solve the game.

The Internet is also a best place to look for information about Sudoku aside from books and newspapers. You can search it in popular search engines like Google and Yahoo by just typing the word Sudoku in the search bar. Thousands of pages about the game will be given in a few seconds. You can download and play Sudoku from blogs. They also feature some techniques. Groups of people even discussed their obsession about the game and you will be shocked by the number of individuals who are crazy about this game.

Sudoku is a game of logic. Most people think that it requires great mathematical skills to play it but that is the biggest myth about the game. The numbers are only there for convenience, no addition or multiplication involved. One rule is that the numbers must not be repeated within the same column and row. Shapes, colors or symbols can substitute the numbers...CONTINUE [http://completesudokuguide.useful-tips.com/how-sudoku-helps-your-brain-from-dying.html]

Brain Games For a Healthy Mind

Do you sometimes wonder if you're losing your mind because you keep forgetting where you left your keys, or you can't remember birthdays or appointments? Don't worry; it doesn't necessarily mean your mind is losing its ability to function. But it might mean that your brain could use a workout routine.

We all want to live long and prosperous lives, and no one wants to suffer from mental deterioration. Then why do so many people neglect their brains when they exercise? We go jogging, lift weights and spend thousands of dollars on gym memberships and fitness equipment to exercise our hearts and muscles and strengthen our bones. But what do we do for our brains? Like the heart, the brain needs exercise to keep it healthy. And you can exercise your brain by playing games.

Centenarians (people close to 100 years old) report that they preserve their cognitive function by engaging in mental activities such as crossword puzzles, bridge and intricate jigsaw puzzles.

Here's how such activities work for different parts of the brain.

Frontal lobes. The frontal lobes act as a kind of CEO for the brain. They are responsible for coordinating actions such as planning ahead and controlling impulsivity. They are also important for long-term memory--especially memories associated with emotions and smells--as well as personality and muscle control. You can continue to improve these areas of your brain by playing Eons MatchUp, Sudoku and Gutterball 3D. All of these games strengthen memory, executive function and motor skills.

Temporal lobes. These enable us to interpret what we hear--to identify sounds and understand speech. They play very important roles in understanding and expressing language. The temporal lobes are also important for naming things and recognizing faces and places. They contain a very important structure called the hippocampus, which is important for short-term memory. Word games such as the Daily Crossword, the Jumble and Scrabble build language skills that are directly connected to this part of the brain.

Parietal lobes. These help us make sense of information coming from our various senses, such as vision, smell and hearing. They also help us with spatial relations. What mental processes do you follow to piece together a jigsaw puzzle? There is your answer about how you can exercise this part of the brain. This type of mental exercise also enhances the occipital lobes that allow us to interpret what we see; these lobes operate much like the lens of a camera.

So play every day! Working these different areas of the brain can lead to improvements in all important brain functions and increase your brain's resistance to age-related memory and mental agility problems. Just as with muscle training, you are never too old to produce results and see improvement when you do these exercises. But they are truly a lot more fun!

Ready to Print Crossword Puzzles - Perfect for Anytime, Anywhere

Online crossword puzzles are fun, but sometimes you just can't beat print crossword puzzles. Why? Here are three quick reasons:

1. Break away! The most obvious advantage of print crossword puzzles is that you don't have to be at your computer to solve them. You can print them out, tuck them into your briefcase and pull them later while you're on coffee break. Or you can take them to the beach. Some folks even like to keep a few in the glove box of their car for times when they're caught waiting to see the doctor or meet a friend.

2. Use a pencil, save a mouse, save your wrist. If you already spend a lot of time at the computer during the work day, your hand and wrist will thank you for taking a break on your off-hours. Using paper and pencil won't contribute to the repetitive motion problems caused from using a computer mouse for hours on end. As you solve a crossword puzzle with paper and pencil, you're using your fingers, hand and arm -- and even your eyes and neck -- in a different way.  Your body gets a much-needed break from the same old movements. 

3. Print on demand. Crossword puzzle magazines are great. In fact, I usually have two or three by my favorite chair in the living room. But such magazines often contain pages and pages of crosswords that are too easy, too hard or include topics that aren't of interest. When you print your own puzzles, you can get only the ones you're most interested in. With the wealth of websites that offer printable crosswords, you're sure to find the difficulty level and the topics you like.

Nintendo DS For Moms

Ever get bored waiting for kids while they're at scouts? Tired of trying to make small talk with all the parents waiting to pick their kids up from school? Maybe you're work has just hit a slow time and you want something to keep from going stir crazy.

Try playing a Nintendo DS. It's a great way to keep your brain sharp, get in shape, reduce stress and have lots of fun.

Game makers have come out with lots of games made specifically for parents, so when your kids are at scouts, soccer games, football practice, gymnastics, dance lessons, or just taking a nap you can enjoy yourself also.

There are basically 4 different types of games available for you to pick from. Lets look at each type and examples of games in that group.

* Traditional Games - This includes the normal board games, television game shows, etc. Not only are these fun games but according to research these type games help keep your brain sharp as you age. Some examples include: Scrabble, Deal or No Deal, Price is Right, Crossword Puzzles, Brain Age.

* Health and Fitness - As caregivers we need to take care of our body, so we can in turn take care of our families. These games assist us in working toward that goal. Some of the wonderful games offered include: Yoga training, Pilates training, walking trainers that include activity meters, and lots more.

* Personal Improvement - Have fun while actually learning a new skill. Whether you want to learn to read music, how to cook, learn a new language or maybe you want to just dress more fashionable there are lots of games out there for you.

* Pure Entertainment - As moms, we have enough to worry about trying to raise our kids, these games off a break from reality. If you're a Grey's Anatomy fan (McDreamy anyone???) there's a video game for you. What about Hells Kitchen, Cesar Milan's Dog Whisperer, or even rock out to Monster Band.

Nintendo DS isn't just for kids. Moms you can keep your brain sharp, get in shape, reduce stress and have lots of fun with some of the games available for adults on the Nintendo DS.

Creating Great Ideas by Exercising Your Brain

My truly worthy ideas usually come to me as a very clear concise image in the predawn moments between when I awake and before my eyes open. They flood into my consciousness from their nightly hovering in the same way, a moment later, my eyes open and my vigilant puppy, Buck, pounces to ravenously lick my face. Great ideas! Where do they come from? How do you know they are great? Or that they will even work? A successful manager must be able to create ideas. Ideas which move his team forward and establish higher levels of performance and competitiveness. He must develop thoughts that can be believed in by others and successfully executed.

All managers depend on their experiences and what they have been taught to make decisions and deal with difficulties. As trusted as this concrete footing may be, it limits the possibilities of breakthrough concepts which can markedly create advancing change initiatives. Situations become trapped by repeating the same solutions to the same problems. We have all been dared to "think outside the box" as if this is a reflexive response. If divergent spontaneity was indeed simple, abundant development would emerge continuously. Good ideas require work. Even "Eureka" moments of brilliance are the result of thoughtful substructure.

A Street Smart Leader continually sharpens his skills of Abstract Thinking. Abstract Thinking involves thinking about situations that are removed from the facts of the "here and now". Abstract thinkers are able to reflect on events and ideas, and on attributes and relationships separate from the objects that have those attributes or share those relationships. Strong Leaders move beyond concrete thinking based on only seeing the facts and instead focus on ideas under the surface and their multiple meanings.

The study of abstract thinking is a vast subject which I will leave to the expertise of others. But there are some very straight-forward pragmatic concepts that you can strengthen and shine your ideas involved.

You must start thinking about your approach to problem-solving as a creative process. And if you're just naturally talented creative person, you have to stretch and exercise your brain to be more creative. I am amazed at the amount of time people will pay no brain pursuits such as watching TV, reading gossip magazines or sports activities. How much time do you spend training your mind? Gain an understanding ofbasic propensities of your mind. Are you an intuitive or a structured person? Do you prefer direct or indirect action? There are many profiling tools to help you gain insights to your natural strengths.

If you are going to stretch your thoughts, you must train your brain to be more versatile. Embark on specific exercises and courses of study which will expand your mental capability. Learn to play an instrument or a foreign language. Do crossword puzzles or learn a new Processing. Finding a way to look the same situations differently. For example, one of my assessment of "immediacy" is. I am inclined to tackle the problems and in direct competition with the mentality of "Take No Prisoners." Although I can win a lot of natural encounters with these tactics, it's time to work on these strengths to me, especially when they are away from a losing position Crusades. So in recent years I have tried to master the game of Go is a 4000 years old ancientChinese board game centered on indirect battle strategy. It focuses on acquiring territory in addition to capturing opponents. It is the anti-Chess game and forces a different train of thought for me. It takes me out of my comfort zone. If you want to create, you must dedicate yourself to discovering a way to exercise, strengthen and tune-up your brain every day.

With your brain sharpened you are ready to create great ideas to solve problems and take advantage of Opportunities. But it is important to start with the right questions. Many bugs are the orphans of the effort out of place. Dig deep into your situation and understand what you need or problem trying to solve. Do you have a problem or a moral problem productivity? They could both show the same symptoms. Need more customers or more customers to improve profitability? Different strategies would be. Verses in their methods of analysis "root", the tactics ofDrill-down to a situation until you understand what the real driver for complications. There are many courses and Six Sigma tools to help you to help you sharpen this ability. But if you do not provide the time for her to four years allows you to form your questions. They are often asked: "Why?" until you get to the cause. Why should we give to this vital program of innate impatience of others? Crystallize what you want to do. Start with the right mouse buttonQuestion!

You're still not prepared for creative ideas yet. Next you need to craft a vivid Vision of your successful outcome. Your Vision is more than setting a new goal. You must be able to visualize what the outcome will look like, how it will feel, what will be different. Your mind must be crystal-clear as to the Vision it wants to achieve for it to become a reality. Those of you who are Stephen Covey fans will recognize this philosophy as his habit of, "Begin with the end in mind". Too many meetings are adjourned with managers rushing off to solve a problem they do not unequivocally understand without a thought to what the "winning" outcome would really look like. The concept of "something is better than nothing" is erroneous. False-starts and band aid fiascos only ruin your reputation and shut down your future creativity. Construct your vision of success before you begin thinking of ideas to get there.

Along with your Creative Thinking, you should possess a strong groundwork of Critical Thinking. Critical Thinking involves logical thinking and reasoning. As ideas surface, you will need to critically scrutinize them for soundness. Understanding principles of inductive and deductive reasoning as well as logically fallacies are valuable tools with which to build your thoughts. If you begin with an invalid premise you will find yourself pursuing a lost cause. The application of critical thinking to your creative process will result in reality based workable solutions that work. Find more checks and balances to your thinking process. If you are a natural critical thinker, you will find a friendly person and ask how to "feel" of your idea. And if you intuitively through the countryside, where a logical person to ask and what they "think" your idea. Your idea will be tested - before or after deployment. You can choose from.

Are you ready to start your creative thinking? You should take the time each week in a place where youconcentrate on thinking. Great thoughts do not come in between the hurry of hectic activities. When is the last time you took an hour and just went off by yourself to think? Sometimes when I am doing this, someone will walk up on me and hesitate wondering if they should interrupt. They always have a surprised look on their face when I look up from my concentration and say, "I was just thinking." Isn't it peculiar how little quality time we make for one of the most important activities we have as Leaders?

Now get away and think. Remain focused on the "right question" and keep your Vision in the forefront. Challenge the existing prevailing thoughts. Imagine possibilities. Develop every option and re-think your preconceptions. Trust your feelings as you look down every path. Look for relationships with seemingly unconnected resources. Open up your mind and let everything on the topic pour out. Do not settle for a quick fix. You are looking for a breakthrough.

The preeminent tool I use to get the abstract juices flowing is a personal brainstorming session known as Mind Mapping. Mind Mapping provides a flexible, fluent, image based methodology to elaborate on associative and metaphorical thinking. Mind Maps start with a central topic and then branch out into possibilities. They allow the freedom to start new and divergent ideas anywhere in the thought process and provide a visual format to link and weave commonalities. Mind Mapping technique is easy to learn but takes practice to master. Create Mind Maps for everything. Flush out all of your thoughts, experience, lessons, advice and intuitions. Remember you have a vision, a destiny, to fulfill with a new and original thought.

To become a prominent Street Smart Leader you must, Learn - Think - Lead. Learning to Think is a part of your craft. Become dedicated to the ideology of expanding your mind and thinking great thoughts. Not every idea seeking venture will end with a brilliant result. Often you will leave your creative sessions with only an exasperated and scribbled Mind Map. But if you commit yourself to critical and creative thinking, someday, just before you feel that lick on your face, there it will be, Eureka, a Great Idea! And guess what? If you only have five or six Great Ideas in a year you will run far ahead of your competition and you will be a Superstar.