Online games that help the brain

Just like our bodies, we have to keep our minds active and healthy and we can do this in a variety of ways. We all know getting a good night's sleep is key as is a balanced diet but social connections such as seeing friends as well as mental activity such as doing puzzles, reading and playing games.

There are a variety of games online that can help improve our memory, concentration, language skills and overall brain health and many are free and fun to use. Here are 5 online games you can play for a few minutes a day that can help keep your mind in tip-top shape.

1. Sudoku

This logic-based number placement game relies on short-term memory and can also help improve your recall. It's fun and challenging and you can play it online or paper version and increase the difficulty level as you get better. 

2. Scrabble

Yes this classic word game does require more than one player but you can easily play against others online or via the Scrabble app or you can play against the computer. Scrabble is fantastic for increasing brain power while challenging your critical thinking as well as improving one's vocabulary. 

3. Solitaire

Another well-known classic game card game that can help train your brain to notice patterns and gives your memory a workout. It's fast-paced, challenging and fun and is probably one of my favourite free online games. 

4. Bingo 

Yes Bingo can be played with friends in person, which is great fun, but you can also enjoy it online. Bingo can improve memory recall, concentration and other cognitive skills such as reaction times. Playing bingo online gives you a plethora of options, with themed games and chat rooms where you can banter with fellow players from up and down the country.

5. Chess

I've been playing Chess since I was around 9yrs old and I find nothing more mentally challenging than a game of chess as it forces you to think ahead and predict plausible outcomes. I've taught my kids to play as well but when they are not around it's great to jump on the computer and challenge either players online or my PC. Chess 

Of course this is just a tiny number of the games and apps that are out there, with many being free to use so really there is no excuse when it comes to keeping your brain health in check. 

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