When it comes to using our mobile phones, not many people think about mental challenges. Overwhelmingly, mobile devices have simplified our lives. They’ve put the power of the internet into our hands, which makes a whole range of chores and activities easier.
Whether checking on your bank account, sending an email to a work colleague, or calling back home to catch up with your parents, the average smartphone does it all. Entertainment is also a popular reason to spend time on a smartphone.
From social media to competitive gaming, there are dozens of ways to pass the time. But what about apps that actually help you keep your brain engaged? Though we might not use our smartphones to keep a mental edge, it’s absolutely possible. In fact, ‘brain games’ have been a solid niche in the mobile gaming category for over a decade.
Let’s take a closer look at what types of apps can help keep your mind active.
Challenging Games
Not all mobile games are designed purely for fun. Some of them can also give you an edge when it comes to critical thinking and analysis. That’s because these challenges are baked into the gameplay. For example, poker is a card game used to unwind around the world.
But it’s also a deceptively challenging game. Many players learn poker rules and strategies by playing on their smartphones and laptops. This lets them focus on games with players who are at their skill level, whether beginners or preparing to go pro. While they do so, they’re also sharpening their mental skills in terms of analysis, decision-making, and risk assessment.
Brain-Game Apps
If games like poker aren’t focused enough for you, then consider a brain-game app. These were designed by mobile studios with the goal of training players’ brains—while avoiding topics that are boring or too heady.
Luminosity is one of the world’s most famous and longest-running brain game apps. It’s officially billed as a cognitive training app that has specialized games to help develop memory, attention span, problem-solving, and deduction—amongst others. Over the course of its existence, the game has introduced hundreds of new minigames and is updated regularly.
Skill-based Pursuits
Poker can help sharpen your mind while you unwind, whereas brain game apps offer a range of benefits. However, if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of a specific topic, there’s probably an app for that. From learning how to live a greener lifestyle to figuring out the basics of budgeting, apps cover a truly mind-numbing range of topics.
For example, if you’re struggling to level up in academics of some sort, you can focus on a mobile app that dives deep into a particular subject. Science is one of the most difficult subjects for many learners, which makes educational science apps popular. The Chemical Touch is a popular choice for those who need to dig deep into the periodic table. It includes amino acid charts, chemical properties, and much more.
Similarly, Khan Academy is now available on mobile—and it connects learners to just about every subject under the sun. Best of all, the lessons and lectures are from real-life educators who dedicated their time and energy to submitting free knowledge.
Language Learning
Learning a new language would probably fit under the last section—but the sheer number and range of language-learning apps for mobile devices deserves its own section. You’ve probably already heard about favorites like Rosetta Stone and Duolingo. Both are great options for beginners, as they cover a diverse range of languages and alphabets.
But they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to quality language-learning apps. Babbel, for example, offers a more structured online class approach. This structured format might be beneficial for those who struggle to keep up with their lessons.
Memrise, on the other hand, focuses more on slang and local language proclivities. This is an excellent tool for those who just want to pick up a few helpful phrases.
