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If you usually spend your commuting time or coffee break mindlessly scrolling TikTok or delving into Reddit debates, it could be time for a change. It’s easy to get lost in social media, but you might be surprised how much sharper and more focused you feel by swapping scrolling for a game that actually challenges your brain.
Daily games can be a simple and enjoyable way to keep your brain active, improve your problem-solving skills and give your brain a quick workout without feeling like hard work. From word puzzles to number games, there’s something you can dip into every day for some brain training and a little fun too.
Daily games to work out your brain
Looking for some fun ways to keep your mind active each day? These simple daily games are easy to fit into your routine and offer a quick mental challenge, whether you have five minutes or a little longer in your day.
1. Daily crosswords
Nothing beats a daily crossword to keep your brain feeling sharp. If you want to keep your brain engaged, test your knowledge, and feel a sense of accomplishment, then a crossword is the way to go.
The good thing about crosswords is that there are types to suit all levels. Whether you want a simple 10-minute puzzle or want to try your hand at a cryptic crossword, you can test your brain in different ways.
Looking for the ultimate source for your daily crossword? It’s got to be the New York Times. Give it a try and see how you get on – you’ll soon be hooked!
2. Wordle
Remember Wordle? It feels like everyone was playing it in 2021! Highly addictive, with a simple concept – guess a five-letter word in six attempts, with a little feedback to help you narrow down the answer. It sounds simple, but there’s more to it than that.
A daily game of Wordle can help boost your logic skills and improve your vocabulary. Everyone has their own strategy, but you’ll soon find that regular play helps your brain work faster, improving those tries each time.
With just one puzzle to play each day, Wordle is a game that can easily fit into your routine, giving you the perfect mental break without wasting away the hours. There are also some great tips you can try to stay ahead of word games, honing your skills even more.
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3. Sudoku
Sudoku is a numbers-based puzzle that is more about logic than it is about math. It comes with a really simple goal – fill a grid so that every number (generally 1-9) only appears once per row, column and section. It can be incredibly frustrating, but also satisfying once you complete the puzzle.
They say Sudoku can keep your brain 10 years younger, and for good reason. It can help improve your concentration, patience and logical reasoning. It’s also a good way to wind down and leave the stress behind for a little while.
While it can take some time to get used to the format, you will find it easier over time, helping you build on your skills to take on more complex puzzles.
4. Chess puzzles
Some chess games can take hours or even days to complete, but that’s probably a little out of reach for your daily brain training! Daily chess puzzles give you a short and focused challenge that will ask you to find the best move in a given scenario – usually with one or two moves. It can be a good way to sharpen your overall chess skills, but it can also be a good way to enjoy a taste of it each day.
Chess puzzles are excellent for sharpening your decision-making skills. You’ll have to consider several possibilities, anticipate different outcomes and decide on the best solution. This is done under time pressure, so if you often find yourself struggling to make decisions, this could be one way to help improve your focus and decision-making.
As the puzzles are generally quick to complete, you can easily fit them into your daily routine and see how your chess skills develop over time.
5. Brain-training apps
Brain-training games are designed to test your cognitive skills, including memory, attention and processing speed. They’re designed to feel more like games than typical puzzles, so they’re ideal if you enjoy playing games.
The best brain-training games have a structure that keeps the challenge fresh and fun to play. Designed to be played in daily, short sessions, you can track your progress and up the difficulty level. It can also feel satisfying to see how you improve, giving you a little motivation to keep going.
If you want to do something a little more constructive with your scrolling time than watching endless videos, this could make a nice change that feels a little more worthwhile.
6. Word searches
A word search may take you back to your school days, but they’re a surprisingly effective way of working out your brain. The more you play, the greater the benefits, helping you spot patterns and improve your attention to detail.
They may require a little less thinking than other types of puzzles, so they’re perfect if you’re not feeling particularly energized. You can easily do a word search while doing something else, and still feel like your brain is engaged.
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7. Trivia games
If you love to learn, then daily trivia games will be right up your street. Not only do they help you retrieve information quickly, but they can also help you develop knowledge in key areas. You never know when a topic could come in handy!
Platforms like Sporcle have an almost endless supply of trivia games on different topics, so no matter what your interest is, you’ll find something that appeals. Timed games can help test your skills under pressure, improving your memory too.
Trivia games are a little more sociable, allowing you to play against friends or other people, or solo if you prefer. Whether you want to learn all of the countries of the world or test your film knowledge, you can have some fun while exercising your brain.
Games have always been a good way to keep your language, logic and memory skills sharp, and being able to play them on the move makes it easier to enjoy a daily workout. Swapping a few minutes of scrolling for a daily game can help you do something more productive with your downtime and keep your brain engaged. Be consistent, and soon you could see big improvements in your attention span and focus, all with just a few minutes of play each day.
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Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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