At the beginning of last week’s challenge of practicing self-care, I started with a nice relaxing massage. I thought my goals were going to be easy, but then midweek, my face started drooping and I couldn’t close my right eye. By the end of the week, I had 60-70% paralysis. I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and have spent the rest of days with Doctor’s appointments, taping my eye shut and trying to learn how to use a straw again. The silver lining? I was forced to practice self-care.
But I will not let this viral infection make me grumpy, we’ve got our 3-week challenge which is Cognitive activities. So pick out 3 things that you can do to jump-start those brain cells.
Here are some ideas for cognitive games and other activities for improving memory that you can play around with…
Online games
Jigsaw puzzles
Hidden object games-The game in the picture is “Sherlock Holmes Hidden Object” You can download it on your mobile device or click the link.
Luminosity or Elevate brain training
Other engaging activities
Conversations with social acquaintances
Tactile jigsaw puzzles
Hobbies
Learning a new skill, yes, you can teach dog new tricks
Telling stories or jokes
Go through photo albums recalling past experiences
Reading a book of Magazine
Watching a television program or a movie with your caring partner and then review your favorite scene together
Writing in a journal
As you can see there are many things you can do to help improve your cognitive functioning. You’ve just got to get those brain cells a-movin’. Remember, If you don’t use it, you will lose it. Good luck with this week’s challenge, it’s going to be a fun one!
Coming up next week:
Week of January 24th-Meditation and Breathing
I thought getting dumped today sucked, but you have to be extra and get your eyes taped. Well played.
Thanks for the laugh John! I needed it.
Anytime!
Thank you for these suggestions. I am so sorry to hear about the Bells Palsy and truly believe you will recover soon from that. You are a strong warrior, remember that! You have a screenshot of an online game. Can you please send us an example of an online game that’s great for some with Parkinson’s? I am spending time with my dad this week and would like to try some new activities with him.
Hello RB,
I am sorry I didn’t include the link to that game. You can find it in your app store on your mobile device, or click the link to get you to the game page. Have fun with your Dad! https://www.g5e.com/games/sherlock-hidden-match-3-cases
I am praying that you get well soon and a complete healing. I’m going to learn a new song on the guitar. Haven’t done that in a long time.
Hello Ro,
That is awesome! Sounds like you’re going to have those brain cells jammin’.
Don’t forget going thru old pictures to write names on the back or scan them to Ancestry family files. Don’t label them as “dad’s uncle.” Use proper names please.
Hi Dad,
Great suggestion!
I’m fully “cognitive” with you this week, hunting for an online hidden object game. Sorry to hear about the Bells Palsy hope recovery will come quickly. Thanks for the 3 week challenge I do better with accountability groups.
Hello Robert, my bad for not including a link to the hidden object game. You can download it on your mobile device or here is the game page link. Good Luck! https://www.g5e.com/games/sherlock-hidden-match-3-cases
Aw Allison, sorry to hear about the Bell’s Palsey. The good news is, as I understand it, it will eventually resolve itself. But nobody needs that, especially you who’ve gone through so much. Hang in there kiddo.
Hi Jer-Bear! Yeah, my first thought was I was having a stroke, but then when I knew what it was, I was like.. come on! Really?!
Oh no! I hope you get better quickly. My focus this week is on jigsaw puzzles…minimum of 1000 pieces. Fingers crossed!
Hello Fred,
The 1,000 piece puzzle is no joke! Get it!