This has been a very eventful summer for us, and yet disappointing at the same time. I had so many things planned to do, and very little got done due to me hitting my head not once, but twice!!! One of the most frustrating side effects of the concussions are the challenges to my memory. Now that I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, here are some great ways to improve your memory.
Ways to improve your memory:
Sudoku
Sudoku is a really great way to improve your memory. It doesn’t matter whether you get a paper copy from the loonie store, or use an app on your phone. Sudoku is a marvelous way to get your brain synapses reconnected and firing again. The apps I use offer beginner, intermediate, and advance game options with varied challenges throughout the month. According to the National Library of Medicine article Role of prefrontal cortex during Sudoku task: fNIRS study Patil Ashlesh,Kishore K. Deepak, and Kochhar Kanwal Preet https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7718610/, “Thus, Sudoku may be used for cognitive remediation training in neuropsychiatric disorders involving PFC”.
Crossword puzzles
Crossword puzzles have been really helpful in improving my memory. These really help you focus and access the deep recesses of your memory. There are so many different places you can find crossword puzzles too, newspapers, phone apps, loonie stores, and anywhere that sells books. I really like phone app games like Cody Cross
Word search puzzles
Another easy way to improve your memory are word search puzzles. These are great to start with if you find crossword puzzles a challenge. With word search puzzles the words are already provided, so you only have to focus on finding them in the puzzle. This helps the brain synapses start connecting again as they sort through random letters to find the words you are looking for.
Word scramble games
These are supper fun, as they supply you with how many words that are possible, and the letters to re-order to make up new words. These are also great for increasing your vocabulary to find new words. Your brain has to work to sort and resort the letters into new words.
Learning a new language
A super fun way to improve your memory and cognitive function at the same time is to learn an new language. This really gives your brain a workout, and is super useful as well! programs like Duolingo https://www.duolingo.com/ and Rosetta Stone https://www.rosettastone.com make it super fun and easy to learn. Our whole family using Duolingo and are having a ball. We started with Spanish and now have started additional languages as well. The learning streak feeds our competitiveness, so we do it every day so we don’t lose our streaks. It also builds our confidence as we realize how much we’ve learned!
In conclusion:
Recovering from a concussion has been a challenge I would rather have foregone. The nausea, foggy days, head aches, and cognitive disruptions vary on a day to day basis now. The one thing I know for sure, is that continuing to play the games suggested above along with learning new languages, have greatly improved my memory and cognitive functions. Choose whichever one appeals to you more, and then add more along the way. Your brain will thank you for it!
One-on-one coaching is a great way to start building your confidence, and improve your health! I offer confidence coaching, health & lifestyle coaching, and exercise coaching. Click here for an application form and I would be happy to help you in your journey. You can also contact me at acgamero16@gmail.com or check out my website: www.nopainallgain.ca
