Do the mini games really work?

by Tobias
(Sweden)

Do it really work to be smart with the mini games? I always wanted to get super smart but i think is hard. But i hope u answer.

Doug's Reply. The path to a more powerful brain is similar to learning a new skill. The mini brain games are one component of the total effort, but you must do more.

As my memory research page indicates, the mini games do work. For example, studies have shown that dual-n-back brain games increase "fluid intelligence," an important part of creative problem solving.

But brain games alone will not make you super smart. That's because brain development is a process with many parts. This shouldn't be surprising. The brain is a complex structure, after all.

Let's compare mental proficiency to skill at a sport like tennis. To become an expert at tennis, it would not be enough to only practice your forehand stroke. You would need to practice all the strokes - forehand, backhand, serve, overhead, drop shot, etc.

You would also need to get in good shape physically. To build endurance, you would need to run, ride a stationary bike, or do other aerobic training.

Further, you would need to master tennis strategy. Knowing the best shot to make in a given situation, mastering the psychology of tennis, and so on.

So it is with brain development. To maximize the power of your brain, take a multi-pronged approach:

• Play brain games often. Even better, subscribe to and play the online scientific brain games offered by Lumosity.

• Meditate daily. Meditation has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus. This is a structure in the brain responsible for the formation of new memories.

• Exercise often. Regular, intense aerobic exercise, such as running or bike riding, also grows the hippocampus.

• Eat brain foods and take vitamins. Give your brain the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

• Use memory techniques. The memory techniques that utilize visualization and association are extremely powerful. Use these whenever you need to memorize a lot of information.

• Get sufficient restful sleep. During sleep, new memories are moved from short-term storage in the hippocampus to long-term storage in the neocortex. So make sure you are getting enough quality sleep.

As you can see, there is no magic trick to a better brain. It requires focused effort! However, this effort is well worth it.

Your brain is your main tool for success in life. It makes sense to invest the time and effort needed to build a confident and powerful brain.

Best regards,
Douglas
Memory-Improvement-Tips.com