Using apps can be a fun way to spend your downtime. But is it possible to strengthen your brain while you’re relaxing? Some research suggests that online brain games and apps may have positive cognitive benefits, including improving memory and problem-solving skills. On-the-go apps and brain games can be great for people of all ages. Check out these six fun apps that can help exercise your brain:

1. Lumosity

The scientists who developed Lumosity used well-known methods of brain training to create daily cognitive games and exercises across areas like memory, attention, problem solving, math and processing speed. This app tracks your progress, interprets your scores and offers insight into your cognition. (Available for Apple devices and on Google Play.)

2. Elevate

With over 40 brain training games, Elevate is designed to improve focus, memory, speaking abilities, processing speed, math skills and more. Performance tracking, weekly reports and personalized brain workouts are just some of the features that make this app a fun way to improve mental sharpness. And according to Elevate, over 90% of users reported successful outcomes. (Available for Apple devices and on Google Play.)

3. Impulse - Brain Training 

Impulse offers a diverse range of personalized brain games created to strengthen memory, attention, concentration, problem solving and more. According to Impulse, the idea of brain plasticity – the concept that states your brain is able to grow and form new neural connections at any life stage – is what makes this app great for all ages and expertise levels. (Available for Apple devices and on Google Play.)

4. Peak

Peak was designed to help you sharpen your mental skills and maximize your full potential. Over 45 brain games hit on areas like memory, attention and language coordination. With some help and motivation from Coach, your Peak personal trainer, you can challenge yourself with a full Daily Workout or try a Coffee Break for a quick mental pick-me-up in under five minutes. (Available for Apple devices and on Google Play.)

5. Sudoku

Sudoku is a popular numbers game that may help improve memory, logic and reasoning. Players must get the numbers 1 through 9 in each horizontal and vertical row without any duplicates. You can make it as easy or hard as you want, with features like hints, auto-check and highlighted duplicates. Completing the daily challenges can even earn you special trophies. (Available for Apple devices and on Google Play.)

6. New York Times Crossword

It all started with The Crossword published in a 1942 New York Times newspaper. Today, New York Times Games offers fun brain games on the go. The Crossword remains, of course, but now you have other options. Wordle gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. And Spelling Bee encourages you to make as many words as you can with seven letters. Try these and other great ways to get a little mental exercise while having fun. (Available on Apple devices and on Google Play.)

Brain games can be a fun, on-the-go, mental exercise each day. They’re a great way to unwind and as an added bonus, they may help keep you sharp.

Neither Strayer Education, Inc., Strayer University, nor any of their affiliates promotes, endorses, or has any business relationship with the above listed products or platforms.