We need the brain for virtually everything, from driving, to reasoning, that said you cannot go around the world with a second class brain.
Neurologists and psychologists initially believed that the core aspects of cognitive processing were essentially fixed a young age with little or no room for improvement. Capacities like memory, attention and sensory processing were thought to be largely determined after a relatively brief period of early development, in order words, if as a toddler you were dull, you would most likely remain dull when you are grown
Its 2014, the world is revolving, and our dear neurologist and psychologists have discovered that the aforementioned theory is no longer true, emerging science of the brain is dramatically changing the way we view these things, we now know that with the right kind of stimulation and activity the brain can dramatically change and remodel itself to become freaking efficient and this affects the way we process information, concentration, memory, creative thinking and solving novel problems
Here are 5 apps to stimulate the brain:
1. Lumosity
This popular app is split into sessions of three games tailored to your goals: memory, attention, problem solving, processing speed or flexibility of thinking. The games are played against the clock and change every time. Developers say just one session a day can improve mental skills and users can track progress and compare performance with others. (Free for limited access, upgrade for $15 a month or $80 a year; available for iOS)
2. Personal Zen
Personal Zen is clinically proven to reduce stress by JUST playing a fun game. Built by a team of leading neuroscientists and mobile developers, playing Personal Zen actually retrains your brain to lower stress and anxiety.
Here’s what experts in the field of psychology had to say about Personal Zen:
“Personal Zen brings cutting-edge research and well-established strategies for reducing anxiety and stress into the palm of your hand”
Shannon M. Bennett, Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College. This game, developed by Dr. Dennis and researchers from Hunter College and the City University of New York, reduces anxiety by training your brain to focus more on the positive and less on the negative. Even a single session of play can build resilience over several hours. (Free; available for iOS)
3. Happify
Using fundamentals of positive psychology, which involves focusing on the strengths and virtues that enable individuals to create fulfilling lives, the app’s quizzes, polls and gratitude journal — combined with a positive community. The goal is to build these skills and keep users smiling all day. (Free; available for iOS)
4. Positive Activity Jackpot
This app was originally developed for service members returning from combat with high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. It uses augmented reality with an Android phone’s GPS to find nearby activities and diversions for someone coping with depression. PAJ is based on a form of behavioral therapy called pleasant event scheduling, which encourages a daily schedule of enjoyable activities to improve moods and overcome despondent thoughts. (Free; available on Google Play)
5. Eidetic
Eidetic uses a technique called spaced repetition to help you memorize anything from important phone numbers to interesting words or facts. It works differently from typical brain training apps by using items that have meaning and context, like your beau’s phone number, bank account details, or a new quote worth reciting. Notifications remind you when it’s time to test yourself and spaces out tests over time to make sure you retain the information in long-term memory. (Free; available on iOS)
