There’s no hiding it: We’re all addicted to our smartphones. Sure, you could spend hours obsessing over Instagram models or capturing rare Pokemon, but what about exercising your brain?
Recent studies have shown that brain training games show improvement in the mind’s agility. One study conducted by Lumos Labs found that those who played brain games at least five times a week over a period of 10 weeks “showed greater improvements than controls on speed of processing, short-term memory, working memory, problem solving, and fluid reasoning assessments.”
Whether you’re memorizing patterns or completing a crossword puzzle, you are flexing your mind’s muscles with daily mental fitness tests. So the next time you’re tired of scrolling incessantly on Twitter, try out one of these six apps that keep your brain in mind.
Although Lumosity has caused some controversy in the news with it’s recent $2M settlement for false advertisement, the app still tops the charts for brain games. Fit tests use games to strengthen your brain’s speed, memory, attention, flexibility and problem solving – Lumosity essentially keeps your brain active in a society of mindlessness.
Always getting these Lumosity sessions in. ????
— Brandon Farmer (@BrandonFarm26) December 30, 2016
Want to be bilingual, but snoozed through French class in high school? DuoLingo offers a unique approach to learning a second language with quick exercises that only unlock once you nail the lessons. Learn the basics and build up your skills in over 15 languages including German, Irish, French, Polish and Spanish. ¿Quieres probar?
Think of this app like a pack of therapy dogs – a few strokes of that silky fur (or in this case, a shiny phone screen) will lift your spirits and lower your stress. Happify is a self-care app that keeps you conscious of your moods and recommends tracks specific to your needs from defeating loneliness or building motivation. Using weekly check-ins and short activities, build skills while keeping your mental and physical health in mind. Start smiling!
Train your brain by playing your friends in virtual trivia. Prep for nightly tournaments at the local bar after work or keep the facts up your sleeve as party tricks to make friends with Trivia Crack. The app has something for everyone with questions about entertainment, art, history, geography, science and sports. The only problem? It’s too damn addictive.
forgot how lit trivia crack was
— kennedi (@KennediHolmes) January 4, 2017
Having trouble remembering things lately? Eidetic works to improve your memory. Enter in anything from a vocabulary word to a phone number and the app will randomly test you on its definition or sequence throughout the day, week or month (via notifications). Definitely don’t wanna forget about this one!
Avoid feeling groggy at school or work by getting your sleep schedule on point. SleepBot monitors you sleep patterns with sound and motion sensors, waking you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle with a smart alarm. The app also logs your sleep, shows you trends and offers shuteye tips. Wake up with a fresh mind to dump your Oscar the Grouch impression.
