When did you last train your brain? Last night? Last month? Never? We all know that staying physically fit requires regular exercise and healthy eating. We may not all comply with the advice, but at least we know and understand it. But what about mental fitness? Just like your body, your brain needs training to stay strong, sharp, and adaptable. Brain training isn’t just for students or scientists – everyone can benefit from it, no matter their age or background. And that means YOU!
When you actively train your brain, you improve your focus, boost your creativity, and build resilience to handle life’s challenges. Much like a muscle, your brain strengthens with use. The more you challenge it, the better it performs. You can also train your brain to deal better with the situations that crop up in your life and start to respond not react to them. Responding is a process that allows you to observe a situation critically, evaluate it and then act in the best possible way. Reacting comes from a primal instinct and is not always the best option.
In this article, we’ll explore why brain training is essential and how simple exercises can improve your brain, your thinking, and your life overall.
What is Brain Training?
Brain training refers to activities and habits that enhance mental performance, improve cognitive functions, and shape the way you think. This can include learning new skills, solving puzzles, practising mindfulness, or using Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to rewire thought patterns.
The brain has an incredible ability called neuroplasticity, which means it can grow, adapt, and form new neural connections throughout life. Just like lifting weights strengthens muscles, engaging in brain training exercises can enhance your memory, decision-making, and emotional well-being.
The Key Benefits of Brain Training
1. Improves focus and mental clarity
In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Brain training helps sharpen your focus, making it easier to stay in the present moment without drifting off, process information quickly, and make better decisions. When your mind is trained, you become less prone to procrastination and mental fatigue.
2. Strengthens emotional resilience
We all have good times and bad times, and life is full of ups and downs, but a trained mind can handle challenges more effectively. Brain training, especially techniques from NLP and mindfulness practices, can help rewire negative thought patterns and reduce stress. This allows you to stay calm under pressure and bounce back from setbacks with a positive mindset.
When dealing with distressing circumstances or situations, it is vital that you keep a clear head and don’t panic. Panic leads to poor decisions that can be dangerous. Clear-headedness allows for proper evaluation and better decision-making. It can also help you remember your training on how to deal with emergencies such as how to do CPR, or what to do in a fire, rather than panic.
3. Enhances creativity and problem-solving skills
A well-trained brain thinks outside the box and I’m always advising my clients to find a way to think outside the box and look at perspectives that they may have originally overlooked. Whether you’re brainstorming new ideas at work or finding solutions to everyday problems, mental exercises help you approach challenges with flexibility and innovation. Activities like visualisation, lateral thinking puzzles, and exposure to new experiences enhance your ability to think creatively.
As someone who loves the creative arts, I can attest to the fact that creativity helps in everyday life – whether you need to temporarily fix a dripping tap, write an engaging blog or rescue your cat stuck in a tree (yes, I had to do that recently), creativity helps find solutions where many people only see problems.
4. Supports the Law of Attraction and manifestation
Your thoughts shape your reality. If you want to know more about how this works, read our article on the Law of Attraction. Brain training helps you develop a success-oriented mindset, making it easier to attract positive experiences and opportunities. By training your brain to focus on possibilities rather than limitations, you align yourself with your goals and make manifestation more effective. Techniques like affirmations, visualisation, and NLP reinforce positive thought patterns and strengthen your belief in success.
5. Boosts memory and learning ability
As we age, our memory can decline—but regular brain training keeps your mind sharp. Learning new skills, engaging in memory exercises, and practising active recall strengthen cognitive function. This helps in both personal and professional life, allowing you to process and retain information more effectively.
Simple Ways to Start Training Your Brain
You don’t need complicated techniques or expensive programs to start brain training. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to develop a stronger mind:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation – Enhances awareness, reduces stress, and improves focus.
Step-by-Step: 5-minute mindfulness exercise
Find a quiet space – Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor. Close your eyes or keep them softly focused.
Take deep breaths – Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale slowly through your mouth for four or eight counts.
Focus on the present moment – Pay attention to your breath only, the feeling of air entering and leaving your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest.
Acknowledge distractions – If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment. If thoughts persist, imagine hanging them on an old school coat peg for you to come back to later, and refocus on your breath.
End with gratitude – Before opening your eyes, think of 3 things you’re grateful for. It can be anything – the clothes you’re wearing, your family, your pets – anything that makes you say, “Thank you.” This helps reinforce positive thinking and awareness.
Doing this daily improves concentration, emotional control, and mental clarity.
2. Learning New Skills – Pick up a new language, play a musical instrument, or engage in strategy games.
Step-by-Step: Brain-boosting reading technique
Choose a non-fiction book – Pick a book that challenges your thinking, such as one on psychology, business, or a new subject that is unfamiliar to you.
Read for 20 minutes daily – Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just skimming, and really focus so that you are engaged with the content thoroughly.
Summarise it in your own words – After each reading session, write a short summary or explain what you have learned to someone else.
Apply one idea – Take one concept and actively apply it in your life or discuss it with others to deepen your understanding. Using a self-help or philosophy/psychology book here will often give you exercises you can do.
Repeat and expand – Once comfortable, move on to different types of books or languages to keep challenging your brain.
By following these steps, you enhance comprehension, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
3. Affirmations and NLP Techniques – Use positive statements and mental reprogramming to shift limiting beliefs.
Step-by-Step: Daily affirmation practice
Identify a limiting belief – Think of a thought that holds you back, such as “I’m not smart enough”, “I never have enough money”, or “I always fail.”
Create a positive affirmation – Rewrite it in a positive way, such as “I am capable of learning anything” or “Every challenge helps me grow.”
Say it out loud – Repeat your affirmation aloud every morning and evening with confidence.
Visualise success – As you say the affirmation, picture yourself succeeding and feeling empowered. Make sure you activate a positive feeling within you when you repeat it, and if your affirmation doesn’t make you feel good, don’t use it. You can read more about affirmations here.
Reinforce through action – Take small steps daily that align with your affirmation, such as reading, learning, or practising a skill. You may find that as you repeat the affirmation often, new thoughts and ideas will appear as to how you can achieve it.
This helps rewire your subconscious mind for success and removes mental roadblocks.
4. Visualisation exercises – Picture your goals clearly to strengthen your mind-body connection.
Step-by-Step: Morning visualization exercise
Find a quiet spot – Sit in a relaxed position with your eyes closed.
Visualise your goal – Imagine yourself achieving a specific goal, such as giving a great presentation, excelling at work, or feeling happy and confident.
Engage all your senses – Picture the details: What do you see, hear, feel, and even smell in this successful moment?
Feel the emotion – Experience the excitement, confidence, or joy as if it’s happening now. This is the key to this technique. It’s about how it makes you feel. When you feel the thing you want as if it has already happened, you set powerful physiological, mental and universal pathways in motion to help you succeed.
Repeat daily – Spend 5–10 minutes each morning visualising and feeling your success.
This technique trains your brain to focus on positive outcomes and increases confidence in achieving your goals.
5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices – A balanced diet, exercise, and good sleep are crucial for brain function.
Step-by-Step: Brain-Boosting morning routine
Hydrate first thing – Drink a glass of water in the morning to wake up your brain and combat dehydration after sleep.
Eat ‘brain’ foods – Include foods like nuts, berries, and eggs in your breakfast which contain things like Omega-3 and other substances, known to support cognitive function.
Move your body – Do a quick 5–10-minute stretch or light exercise routine to improve blood flow to your brain. This can also help stimulate serotonin and other ‘happy’ hormones.
Get enough sunlight – Spend a few minutes outside each day to boost your mood, alertness and vitamin D level.
Plan your day – Write down your top three priorities for the day to create mental clarity and focus. If you are in the habit of writing a list of 20 to-dos, then circle the 3 most important and do those first.
A healthy lifestyle directly impacts brain function, making you sharper, more energised, and better equipped to learn and grow.
By incorporating these brain training techniques into your daily routine, you’ll strengthen your cognitive abilities, develop a more positive mindset, and unlock greater potential in every area of your life.
Brain Training Apps to Boost Your Mental Fitness
If you want to make brain training a daily habit, using apps can be a fun and convenient way to stay consistent. These apps offer exercises designed to improve memory, focus, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. Here are some of the most popular brain training apps:
1. Lumosity – Comprehensive Cognitive Training
Features scientifically designed games to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Personalized training programs adapt to your strengths and weaknesses.
Available on iOS, Android, and web.
2. Elevate – Focus on Communication and Math Skills
Offers brain workouts tailored to improve reading, writing, speaking, and math.
Tracks progress over time and adjusts difficulty based on your performance.
Great for professionals and students looking to sharpen skills.
3. Peak – Fun and Engaging Brain Games
Over 45 brain training games covering memory, focus, language, and emotional control.
Provides detailed performance tracking and insights.
Offers a personal trainer feature that suggests daily exercises.
4. NeuroNation – Personalised Brain Workouts
Uses AI-based algorithms to design a unique cognitive training plan for each user.
Focuses on memory, logical thinking, and processing speed.
Provides scientifically backed exercises to boost mental agility.
5. CogniFit – Brain Health and Cognitive Assessment
Developed with neuroscientists to help improve cognitive performance.
Includes assessment tools that measure brain function.
Recommended for those looking to prevent cognitive decline.
6. Brainwell – Daily Brain Workouts
Offers games and exercises targeting memory, attention, and reasoning.
Tracks daily progress and adjusts difficulty accordingly.
Designed for all ages, from students to seniors.
How to Use Brain Training Apps Effectively
Be consistent – Use the app for at least 10–15 minutes daily for best results.
Challenge yourself – Gradually increase the difficulty to ensure continuous brain development.
Combine with real-life activities – Use brain training apps alongside activities like reading, puzzles, and mindfulness for a well-rounded approach.
Track your progress – Most apps offer insights and progress tracking to help you stay motivated.
These apps provide an easy and engaging way to incorporate brain training into your routine, helping you strengthen your mind anytime, anywhere. They are among the most popular in the field. Their popularity stems from a combination of factors, including extensive user bases, a variety of cognitive exercises, and features designed to enhance user engagement.
References regarding Train Your Brain apps:
Scientific Design and Research:
CogniFit was developed by neuroscientists and is utilized in various scientific studies and medical centres.
Peak offers a wide range of games targeting different cognitive skills, with detailed performance tracking to monitor progress.
Positive User Feedback:
Many users report improvements in areas such as attention, memory, and problem-solving after consistent use of these apps. For instance, a study indicated that 66.9% of participants felt brain training apps helped with thinking, and 65% reported benefits to memory.
Training your brain is just as important as exercising your body. A strong, well-trained mind helps you stay focused, overcome challenges, and create the life you desire. The good news? Brain training doesn’t require hours of effort; small, daily habits can lead to big transformations over time.
CALL TO ACTION – START TODAY!
Challenge yourself with new learning experiences, practice positive thinking, and take control of your mental fitness. A trained brain is a powerful tool, and with consistent effort, you’ll unlock your full potential.
Hi. I'm Gail and I'm a teacher, coach, writer and blogger who has been involved with self-development and the performing arts for over 30 years. I'm passionate about helping people to develop their full potential and I've studied education, the law of attraction, personal development and NLP which I write about on this site.
I love working with people of all ages and backgrounds and truly believe that we are all unique, unlimited creative beings who can do wonderful things with a positive attitude and spiritual outlook on life.
When you actively train your brain, you improve your focus, boost your creativity, and build resilience to handle life’s challenges. Much like a muscle, your brain strengthens with use. The more you challenge it, the better it performs. You can also train your brain to deal better with the situations that crop up in your life and start to respond not react to them. Responding is a process that allows you to observe a situation critically, evaluate it and then act in the best possible way. Reacting comes from a primal instinct and is not always the best option.
