Brain Games: Numbers & Letters

BRAIN GAMES
By Kathy Kilpatrick

Is It a Number or a Letter?
This Time, It’s Both

Are you feeling limber today? We’re not talking about your knees or back, but your brain. Give it a stretch with this deceptively simple exercise.

Look at the numbers then select letters that spell out the answer to each question. 

For a different take on the game, make up a few questions of your own and see how quickly you can plug in the numbers. Share your puzzle with a partner and see how well they do.

ABC   DEF   GHI    JKL    MNO   PRS   TUV   WXY      

   2        3       4         5         6        7         8        9

1. 1. A Small Number    7  3  8  3  6
   2. A Condiment   6  8  7  8  2  7  3
   3. A Unit of Measurement  7  4  6  8
   4. Something to Wear  3  7  3  7  7
   5. A Beverage  2  6  3  3  3  3
   6. Found in a Salad  8  6  6  2  8  6
   7. A Bad Storm 8  6  7  6  2  3  6
   8. A Foreign Language  3  7  3  6  2  4
   9. A Southern State  3  5  6  7  4  3  2
   10.  A Place in the House  5  4  8  2  4  3  6
   11.  A Zoo Animal   6  6  6  5  3  9
   12. An Emotion  4  2  7  7  9
   13. A Deli Meat  7  2  5  2  6  4
   14. A Toolbox Item  4  2  6  6  3  7
   15. A Pest  6  6  8  7  3 

Answers:

1. SEVEN
2. MUSTARD 
3. PINT
4. DRESS
5. COFFEE
6. TOMATO
7. TORNADO
8. FRENCH
9. FLORIDA
10. KITCHEN
11. MONKEY
12. HAPPY
13. SALAMI
14. HAMMER
15. MOUSE

Build Your Memory;
Socialize More

Memory props are essential. If you want to maximize your memory, it is usually easier if you do things in your prime time. Repetition is an excellent way to develop your ability to focus. 

Word substitution is a helpful technique rather than stressing to find that certain word. Writing things down using a system as well as a visualization can be powerful tools. It is helpful to also find ways to reduce your stress since that may impact your ability to focus and recall.

Also, try this: Go out of your way to meet a new person today. Introduce yourself and say their name several times. Notice an outstanding feature. Do they have a nickname? Were they named after someone? Verify the spelling of their name. Say their name again when you are leaving. Are you able to recall it later in the day?

Staying connected with others and participating in a variety of experiences provides the opportunity to engage in a variety of conversations.

Contact someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up. Invite someone with similar interests to attend an event with you or volunteer together.