You can keep your mind active, whether you are having trouble with your work-from-home routine or feeling overwhelmed by the daily stress. Keeping your brain active can help reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline as you age.
Your mental health is more important than ever. Keep your brain active. “Being busy allows us to be present and helps distract from our worries.” According to Dr. Divyansu Patel, a psychiatry specialist at TeleMed2U.psychiatrist.
Do you want to keep your brain active? You can find apps that will help you keep your brain busy.
Why is it important that you engage your brain?
Apps can make a huge difference in your daily life, from learning new languages to solving puzzles.
Sam Nabil, the lead therapist at Naya Clinics says that some studiesTrustedSource have shown that learning a new language can improve cognitive plasticity and the brain’s ability to absorb new information.
In the meantime, linked studies of 2018Trusted source and 2019, a Trusted source with more than 19,000 participants showed that playing crosswords and word-based games actually improves brain functionality.
Another 2013 trialTrusted Source found that brain-training games helped improve memory and cognitive function in young adults.
Mindful meditation – as little as 10 minutes per week — can help calm the mind and promote good health by reducing blood pressure and cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
It stands to reason that learning new languages, or ways to re-engage your brain, can help combat pandemic brain fog.
Continue reading to learn which apps can keep your brain busy.
How to choose
We consulted psychiatrists and psychologists to compile this list. To discuss the best activities and apps that keep people’s minds busy,
To determine, we read app reviews and make recommendations. Which apps were most popular and which reported these results:
- Are users happier after using the app?
- Was the app able to provide a routine that was useful?
- Did they learn a new skill?
- Did the app prove useful during the pandemics?
Top 10 apps to keep your brain active
1. Lumosity
Lumosity claims that it will improve memory, focus, and make users feel sharper through its daily brain-training exercises. It is compatible with all ages and abilities. The app can even adapt to your weaknesses and strengths.
Lumosity aids in concentration, mindfulness, and cognitive ability. One reviewer said they had “reached positive results in two weeks”, while another stated that the app had improved their focus, processing speed, and math calculations as well as memory, flexibility, and mental agility.
Basic subscriptions are free. You can play up to three brain games per day with this app. Monthly subscriptions start at $11.99.
Also read: Best 7 Meditation Apps for Parents
2. Duolingo
Duolingo can be a great application for anyone who’s ever dreamed of learning another language? You can find lessons in over 35 languages and minigames. There are more than 300 million members. Duolingo can be a great way to learn a new language or refresh your existing knowledge.
Duolingo won’t make you fluent but it can be a great place for language practice and to get you started when you first learn a language.
You can use the app for free. You can access more features by purchasing a subscription.
3. Calm
Calming can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality through mind exercises, meditations, and music. To help you relax, the app includes a number of well-known voices such as Kate Winslet, Matthew McConaughey, and Idris Elba.
Calm is a way to reduce anxiety, sleep better, meditate, and take care of yourself. “It has changed my outlook and my state of mind in a way that has been beneficial to all aspects of my daily life.
Some features are available for free to all users. The premium subscription costs $69.99 per year or $14.99 per month for full access to the app.
4. PsychologyCompass
PsychologyCompass is “a cognition coach in your pockets” that can help with anxiety, leadership development, memory, learning, and more.
Dr. Elizabeth Gilbert is the head of research at PsychologyCompass. She says that the app was “designed to improve cognitive skills with weekly lessons that can become helpful, automatic practices with practice.”
One user stated that the app was “very helpful in seeing your mental cognitive abilities improve through simple practices.” Another said it was “easy to use” and “navigable.”
It costs $200 per year.
5. Headspace
Headspace offers “hundreds” of guided meditations that cover everything, from stress to focus to relationships, as well as music and soundscapes to help you sleep. It also has short guided meditations and longer courses.
The app claims to improve focus, sleep, and productivity. The app was described as “life-changing” by one user, while another said it helped with their anger issues.
Headspace Plus is the full access price for the app. It costs $12.99 per month or $69.99 per annum. Although the free version includes some assets, it is far less comprehensive.
6. Ten Percent Happier
Ten Percent Happier offers weekly meditation lessons and new content. Stories, meditations, and inspiration can be found on a variety of topics, including parenting, anxiety, and sleep.
Ten Percent Happier can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as learn how to meditate.
One reviewer said, “I appreciate that your get to know the names and voices of the teachers.” Another stated, “Their days have never begun so well and relaxed.”
The app is available in a free version that offers limited content. Membership costs $99 annually.
7. Insight Timer
Insight Timer, a meditation app that’s different, is called “Insight Timer”. Insight Timer offers a variety of workshops, guided meditations, and music. It also features celebrity speakers and courses. This app can keep your brain active and help you get better sleep.
The app’s user reviews indicate that it has “great teachers”, including stars like Goldie Hawn and Russell Brand as well as helpful content.
Users can plan their time with regular events, such as talks and workshops, even during a pandemic.
The app is $59.99 per year or $9.99 per month. The standard version is also available for free and still offers many useful features.
Also read: 8 Best Intermittent Fasting Apps That You use for Health
8. TED
TED offers more than 3,000 talks in over 20 languages via its app. This means that users can explore a variety of topics from around the globe.
The “Inspire me” feature offers new content. This allows you to get inspiration from world-class thinkers while still in quarantine. it is a free and helpful brain-active app.
It’s “a great way for you to focus if you get distracted when reading,” while another person said that it was “a must-have for long journeys and opens many perspectives.” ”
9. Forest
Forest is a productivity application or a game for the phone. Users can create virtual forests and watch their healthy habits grow.
Forest is a great tool for people who like to decorate games. They can use Forest to create new routines and targets, which can be especially helpful during a pandemic.
Forest was described as “such a beautiful reminder of the fact that all things are possible with small steps.”
The app is $3.99 and there are optional in-app purchase options.
10. Words With Friends
You can build your vocabulary and connect with strangers while you play Words With Friends. Words with Friends is similar to Scrabble. Players are challenged to make words using a variety of random letters.
Words With Friends users have noted that it has made their brains feel sharper, and helped them expand their vocabulary. However, some reviewers are concerned that the chat feature can sometimes be misused.
One reviewer stated that they had “made new friends and gotten closer to their old friends through the games.” It has broadened my vocabulary and provided hours of cerebral challenge.
Although the basic game is completely free, you can make in-app purchases or add-ons.
Last Line
You may feel disconnected or burned out if you find yourself feeling disengaged from your community. You can now invest in your brain health, whether you are a gamer or a beginner at meditation or another language.
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