For a while now, researchers have studied the amazing capabilities of our brain. But, what they’ve found is much more incredible—not only can the human brain improve its function, but it can also change its structure. This phenomenon, called plasticity, is the brain’s ability to learn and grow continuously irrespective of its age.
There is a catch, though. Your brain needs to be in an enriching environment to remain malleable. So, how do you provide your brain with such an environment? You don’t have to try too hard. Just install these six apps.
1. Spend Time in Nature With iNaturalist
A joint initiative by the National Geographic Society and the California Academy of Science, this app lets you become a citizen scientist. You can observe a plant or an animal near you, take a picture, and post it on the app. Don’t worry if you don’t know the name of the plant or animal. The app will suggest you one. If not, others from the community will help. You can also join the projects near you.
Through this app, you are not only learning about the natural world around you—you’re also actively taking care of your physical health by walking and hiking in the outdoors.
How It Helps Your Brain
Have you ever felt stuck in a problem and found a solution after a quick walk outdoors? That’s your brain’s plasticity doing its magic. According to recent research, spending time outdoors can increase the size of your brain’s grey matter, which can improve your attention, language, and memory. Furthermore, the brain grows when exposed to different environments.
Download: iNaturalist for iOS | Android (Free)
2. Practice Mindfulness With Smiling Mind
Smiling mind is a free meditation app that aims to make mindfulness accessible to all ages. With bite-sized guided meditation options for various settings (like workplace, home, and school) and scenarios (like sleep, digital detox, stress management, etc.), this is your one-stop solution to keep your brain happy and healthy.
Don’t find the time to meditate? You can set reminders to practice every day, and you have the option to download the sessions for offline use.
How It Helps Your Brain
Do you know that Buddhist monks have mastered the art of changing the structure of their brains by meditating? Practicing mindfulness reduces the ’neural noise’ in your brain and strengthens the connections between neurons. In other words, meditation can help you quell anxiety, distraction, and stress, keeping you focused and attentive.
Download: Smiling Mind for iOS | Android (Free)
3. Learn a New Language With Duolingo
This popular app makes learning a new language easy and accessible. With 37 languages to choose from, Duolingo is a fun way to learn a new language on the go. The app also has daily streaks, challenges, and a reward system to motivate you to learn more.
If you’re worried about forgetting or missing your language classes, fret not. Duo, the app’s mascot, will keep you on your toes with persistent reminders.
How It Helps Your Brain
Do you find learning a new language difficult? You’re not alone. Learning new languages exercises many parts of our brain by forming new connections and pathways, thus enhancing our executive function, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
Download: Duolingo for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Make Music With Yousician
Learn to sing, play guitar, piano, ukulele, or bass with Yousician. The app will listen to your music and instantly provide you with feedback. From novice to expert, Yousician offers something for everyone. Designed by a team of music teachers, you can rest assured that your musical journey is in good hands. But, remember, you will need premium access if you’re serious about playing an instrument.
You can also indulge in the fun weekly challenges or choose to explore music theory in the app.
How It Helps Your Brain
When you regularly play music, new pathways are built between your neurons. With practice, the connections between your neurons get more robust and activate brain areas responsible for memory, learning, and attention. What’s more, practicing music is also linked to improved math and motor skills.
Download: Yousician for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Get Active With iCardio Workout Tracker
With iCardio, you can track your steps, runs, bike rides, and workouts at the gym. Connect this to your Apple Watch or heart rate monitor to get a comprehensive picture of your health. From keeping your weight in check to tracking your every activity and heart rate, iCardio is an all-in-one fitness app that will make your life easier and healthier.
You can also set goals and share your progress with friends through the app. In addition, the paid version lets you watch workout videos and give fitness assessments.
How It Helps Your Brain
When you regularly engage in aerobic exercises like walking or running, you’re helping your brain avoid shrinkage. Regularly exercising enables your brain to make more connections between the neurons and improve its function, like learning new things and retaining information.
Download: iCardio Workout Tracker for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
6. Create Art With Adobe Fresco
Making art need not be messy or complex with Fresco, the new drawing app from Adobe. You don’t need any fancy art supplies or huge canvases—your iPhone or iPad is enough to create your masterpiece. With an intuitive design and a selection of live brushes, Adobe Fresco offers digital painting at its best. Use the features like rulers, shapes, guides, and grids to make your picture symmetrical and precise.
You can make your paintings come alive with motion tools. Also, get smooth Photoshop integration and extra cloud storage with the premium version.
How It Helps Your Brain
You probably know the feeling of being “in the zone” when making art. The feeling of being present and concentrating on that moment (just like mindfulness meditation) can activate various networks in your brain. As a creative expression, art lets you connect deeply with the world around you and ignite your brainpower, making you more imaginative and creative.
Download: Adobe Fresco for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Go The Extra Mile With Neuroplasticity
You don’t need hours of memory games and complex puzzles to train your brain to focus and get creative. All you need to do is use these apps every day to take your brain to its full potential.
