5 Fun & Easy Mental Exercises to Give Your Brain A Boost

Keeping your brain in tip-top shape can be challenging, especially for busy moms, but it is essential that we make sure that our whole body, including our brain, gets a good workout on a regular basis. Working out your brain doesn't have to be boring; this might become your favorite regular workout!

I will share with you 5 fun ideas on how to give your brain the regular exercise it needs to stay sharp. Don't worry it doesn't take a lot of time or expensive equipment to get a mental workout in every day. You only need a few minutes each day to flex your gray matter.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

Mental Self-Care For Busy Moms

Self-care, especially for busy moms is so important. Taking a little time each day to focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually will not only make you feel better but it will help you be a better mom. 

Exercising your brain can benefit you in so many ways like improved concentration and focus as well as other important cognitive functions. Here are a few more benefits from flexing your mental muscles:

• boost your confidence & self-esteem
• improve your memory & attention
• make you smarter & sharper
• improve decision-making ability
• enhance positive mood & attitude
• boost your creative energy
• improve your communication skills

Everyone will benefit from a few minutes each day of active mental activities and exercises. Your quality of life as a busy mom depends on it! Here are 5 simple, budget-friendly games you can start doing today and get your brain in tip-top shape.

5 Fun & Easy Brain Games To Exercise Your Mommy Brain

WORD SEARCH

I find word search puzzles so relaxing! It is a great way to fill time when you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the car pool line, or just taking a few moments to unwind after a long day. 

Whether you like the electronic versions or the printed softcover book style you can still give your brain a great mental workout! Word searches come in a variety of themes like Bible verses, vacation themes, science, and seasonal themes. There is almost no limit to the themes these kinds of puzzles offer. 

App Recommendation: Word Search Explorer by PlaySimple Games (Google Play Store)

Classic word search puzzles with beautiful scenery to help you relax your mind. This app offers free to play word search puzzles that will help you grow your vocabulary as you solve the puzzles.

Printed Recommendation (softcover) : Large Print Bible Word Search Puzzle Book 

This puzzle book that you can purchase on Amazon has over 1,000+ hidden words! Each puzzle page contains a verse from the Bible with words selected within the verse that are hidden in the puzzle. Not only are you spending time exercising your brain but you also benefit from reading Scripture verses! This puzzle book makes a great gift for a senior friend or family member because of the large print size. Tuck this book into your bag, purse or tote to take along with you on vacation or to appointments. 

SUDOKO 

Sudoko is a great workout for your brain! This working-memory training activity, like chess, requires you to think three or four steps ahead to your next move. Fun and challenging games like sudoko will really work your gray matter.

App Recommendation: Sudoko-Classic Brain Puzzle by Shared Fun (Google Play Store) 

Beware, this is an addictive game that can help you train your brain!

Printed Recommendation (softcover): 1,000 + All Easy Sudoko Puzzle Book

MAZES

A maze puzzle not only challenges your brain but it helps with eye hand coordination too. These types of puzzles come in a variety of shapes and levels of difficulty too. A favorite puzzle for kids, mazes are also popular with adults. Completing a maze creates a sense of accomplishment while keeping your brain active and working in top condition. 

App Recommendation: Mazes & More (Google Play)

Printed Recommendation: The Amazing Book of Mazes (Amazon)

This book is full of handcrafted mazes for you to enjoy! Seventy-five fun mazes for you to solve.

CROSSWORD PUZZLES

A popular past time that has been around for decades, crossword puzzles are still a popular activity for people of any age. The benefits of working on a crossword puzzle offers more than just a challenging game. According to Harvard researchers crossword puzzle clues often force you to link concepts you hadn't pictures together. These features mean that crossword puzzles cause large areas of your cortex to be active, and stimulate new connections in your brain. So if you are looking for an easy way to relieve stress with a good mental workout I recommend that you try a crossword puzzle!

App Recommendation: Crossword Puzzles by Xpress Mobyte (Google Play Store) rated 4.5

Printed Recommendation: Amazing 2024: Easy Exciting Crossword Puzzles for Adults (Amazon)

This fun puzzle book has over 2400 words to decipher! 

BRAIN TEASER PUZZLES

Do you consider yourself a detail oriented person? If so, brain teaser puzzles that challenge you to spot the differences between two pictures or puzzles that you have to find hidden objects will be loads of fun for you. These puzzles can include anything from challenging math puzzles to visual challenges. Brain teaser puzzles are not only fun but they can help prevent short term memory loss. 

App Recommendation: Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles (Google Play Store)

New levels added every month! Rated 4.7

Printed Recommendation: The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book (Amazon)

A collection of different fun activities that will keep you mentally sharp and entertained for hours!

WORD GRID PUZZLE (a.k.a Boggle Solitaire)

These types of puzzles are based on the Boggle board game. The goal of the game is to find as many words as you can with a given grid of letters but you can only make words for letters that touch each other and each letter can only be used once per word. Once you begin to master this type of puzzle set a time limit and see how fast you can complete it! 

App Recommendation: Boggle with Friends Word Game (Google Play Store)

Printed Recommendation: Boggle Your Mind (Amazon)

BONUS GAME - Boggle Solitaire Alternative!

Word Grid Puzzles (aka Boggle Solitaire) are based on the Boggle board game. In Word Grid, you’re given a grid of letters and must find as many words as you can.

The rules are simple: words must be made from letters that touch and each letter can only be used once per word. To make it more challenging, set a time limit!

Want to learn more? Check out How to Play Word Grid for a list of the rules, solving methods, and an example walkthrough. 

Your brain will thank you for all of these fun activities! Get your kids involved and make it a family fun night with a variety of brain teasers.

11 Brilliant Tips to Organize Craft Supplies

Has your crafting closet, cupboard, or bin gotten out of control? I have to admit that our family craft cupboard is out of control! It's a little scary when you have to open the door to get something because you don't know what might come falling out - scissors, pencils, stickers, or even an uncapped marker! Yikes!

Organizing the growing mess in my craft cupboard doesn't have to be such a big problem. I can whip this mess back into an organized useful space with a little thought, creativity, and an Amazon order or two.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

 

  11 Useful Tips To Organize Your Craft Supplies

Organizing craft supplies is essential for a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. Here are some tips to help you organize your craft supplies:

1. 
   
   
   

2. 
   

3. Sort and Categorize: Start by sorting your craft supplies into categories. For example, group all paper products together, separate beads and jewelry-making supplies, and organize paints and brushes.

1. Storage Containers:

   Invest in clear storage containers for each category of craft supplies. Transparent containers make it easy to see what's inside without having to open each one.

2. 
   

3. Labels:

   Label each storage container with its contents. This makes it quick and easy to locate specific items when needed.

4. 
   

5. Drawer Organizers:

   Consider using drawer organizers for smaller items like buttons, beads, and small tools. These can fit neatly in drawers or on shelves.

1. Shelving Units:

   Install shelving units to store larger items or bins. Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the space based on the size of your craft supplies.

2. 
   

3. Pegboards:

   Hang a pegboard on the wall to store tools such as scissors, rulers, and small baskets for frequently used items. This keeps them within reach and organized.

4. 
   

5. Rolling Cart:

   Use a rolling cart with drawers or bins to store frequently used craft supplies. This allows you to move your supplies around as needed.

1. Ziploc Bags or Small Containers:

2. For items like buttons, beads, and small embellishments, use Ziploc bags or small containers to keep them organized within larger storage containers.

3. 
   

4. Cubbies or Cubby Shelves:

   Cubbies are great for organizing larger items like yarn, fabric, or larger tools. Label each cubby for easy identification.

5. 
   

6. Create a Craft Station:

   Designate a specific area or room as your craft station. This helps keep all your supplies in one place, making it easy to find everything you need when you're ready to craft.

1. Declutter Regularly:

2. Periodically go through your craft supplies to declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use.

By following these tips, you can create a well-organized and functional space for your craft supplies, making it easier to unleash your creativity without the stress of searching for materials.

10 Trendy & Creative Uses For Embroidery Hoops

Today we are taking a peek at various cool projects that have one thing in common, they all use embroidery hoops! If embroidering is not your jam don't worry, none of these projects require you to embroider a thing! I'm excited to share 10 trendy and unique projects that use embroidery hoops. 

Embroidery hoops are inexpensive, can be purchased in bulk quantities, and come in a variety of sizes. I usually get my embroidery hoops on Amazon. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

10 Trendy Uses For Embroidery Hoops

1 - DECORATIVE WOOD ORBS

Wood orbs are a simple home decor item that is very trendy right now. Wood embroidery hoops are stained or painted, fit together in an orb shape, and secured with glue so they don't shift out of place. Plastic hoops could work however they can't be painted or stained. These embroidery hoop orbs look lovely displayed on a shelf, mantle, or side table in your home. 

Find a tutorial on how to easily make your own at The Creek Line House. 

2 - CIRCULAR SHELF

Stack and glue a few large wooden embroidery hoops together then mount the hoops on a wall. Add a small potted plant or decorative trinket to display on your new circular-shaped shelf. 

If you want to make your own shelf you can find the tutorial at Beyond The Picket Fence.

3 - SUNCATCHER

Secure light colorful fabric between the hoops and then hang the hoop in a sunlit window. These colorful embroidery hoop suncatchers will brighten any dull space, especially during the drab days of winter!

Find the full tutorial on how to make your own suncatcher at Sadie Seasongoods

4 - WREATH

Because embroidery hoops are quite solid they make a great base for a wreath. A little floral wire, some faux springs of greenery and flowers, and an embroidery hoop are all you need to create a lovely wreath. The great thing about using an embroidery hoop for a wreath base is that the hoop's bare wood looks great if you leave a section uncovered by greenery. 

Isn't this wreath just lovely? To make your own just like this one find the tutorial at The Dreamery Events.

5 - YARN-WRAPPED EMBROIDERY HOOP WALL HANGING 

Need to fill a space on a bare wall? These yarn-wrapped hoops are easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to fit your room's color scheme.

 

Want to make your own yarn-wrapped embroidery hoop wall hanging? Find the full tutorial right here on MommySuburbia!

 

6 - HOOP & RIBBON PICTURE FRAME  

I love this unique way an embroidery hoop is used as a display for individual pictures. This would be lovely hanging on a wall in your living room or used as a photo display at a party, wedding, or even a graduation celebration. If you want to really go big in size substitute a hula hoop for the embroidery hoop.

Style Me Pretty has the full tutorial on their blog so you can make your own photo hoop!

7 - MOBILE  

Decorating a nursery or little child's room can get expensive quickly! This easy DIY mobile uses simple, affordable supplies but results in a cute and colorful mobile you and your child will enjoy for years to come. 

Martha Stewart provides a complete step-by-step tutorial for this colorful mobile.

8 - CUSTOM CORK BOARD

Add a little extra style to a plain corkboard by affixing it to an embroidery hoop. Your new corkboard will look updated and finished with the wood embroidery hoop as the edging. A little hot glue and an embroidery hoop make this craft so simple!

Check out this simple tutorial from Purely Katie to make an embroidery hoop cork board.

9 - EMBROIDERY HOOP FIBER ART  

Gather your favorite colors of embroidery floss and get ready to make something beautiful. Instead of actually embroidering with the floss you are just going to hot glue floss to the back edge of an embroidery hoop and wrap it around the hoop frame several times. Add different colors, change directions, and use your imagination to create a beautiful piece of fiber art. 

10 - WALL ORGANIZER 

This is a unique way to combine functional storage with your wall decor! Select two contrasting pieces of fabric about an inch larger than the circumference of the embroidery hoop. Place the small section of the embroidery hoop down first then layer the two fabrics on top of each other with the right sides facing each other. Next, fold the top fabric in half (it should be showing the right side of the fabric now) to create the pocket. Slide the larger embroidery hoop over the fabric and the bottom hoop and tighten it closed. Slip notes, pictures, or pencils into your new wall organizer. 

Polka Dot Chair provides a full tutorial on how to make these useful hoop wall organizers. 

Embroidery hoops are so versatile and fun to craft with! I hope you give some of these trendy ideas a try. Leave me a comment or picture of what you made with your embroidery hoop!

The Top 5 Best Types Of Journals For Kids

Journaling can be a very effective way to help your child learn how to sort out all of their big feelings. It can also be a safe place for kids to process their thoughts, ideas, fears, and dreams. 

Does your child struggle to express their emotions? It can be tough for a young child to know what words to use to describe how they feel. Children of all ages can get so overwhelmed by their emotions they fall apart, act out, cry, throw tantrums, or just close down because they don't know how to explain their feelings. 

As a parent, you want to be there for your child and help them communicate how they feel but knowing how to help them can be challenging. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

How To Help Your Child Grow During Challenging Times

Whether your child shows their emotions on the outside or keeps them hidden internally all children experience big emotions regularly that they might not know how to talk about or process on their own. 

Their outward behavior tells you as the parent something is bugging them but they may be hesitant to open up and share their problems with you. And we know that nagging them to tell you what is wrong will get you nowhere! 

For example:

• Your child failed a test or got a bad grade at school
• Someone at school might have said something mean to your child and it has been bugging them all-day
• Your child didn't get invited to a classmate's party and feels left out
• Their daily schedule changed without warning and the sudden change has overwhelmed them
• They didn't have enough time to 

Journaling can be a very helpful tool for your child to help them deal with the tough stuff of life. The best part is that journaling is completely customizable and can be used for so many other reasons too. 

Top 5 Best Types of Journals For Kids

I'm excited to share with you a variety of journals your child might like to try. Introducing journaling to your child might become a lifechanging activity they can do for the rest of their lives too. 

#1 Emotions Journal

Sometimes a little prompting can help unlock those difficult-to-explain emotions your child is feeling. An emotions journal provides plenty of simple prompts to get your child thinking through how they feel so they can really focus on their communication. A private journal also allows your child to have a safe place to explore their feelings without feeling judged or ashamed. 

How To Use A Kid's Emotions Journal 

I recommend you give your child an emotions journal as a gift rather than requiring them to complete it like homework. Let their curiosity about an emotions journal lead the way. Encouraging them to set aside time every day to write in their emotions journal to establish a routine. An emotions journal with simple prompts, some space to doodle, a mood monitor, and blank areas to just write anything they want is what I would recommend. 

I am excited to share with you this How Do I Feel - Emotions Journal for Kids, which I recently published on Amazon. 

This kid-friendly journal uses fun emojis to help your child identify how they are feeling. Additionally, your child will be asked to think about good things that happened each day, and what worries they have and to draw their own emoji to express their feelings. 

Sometimes a child who is struggling to communicate just can find the right words to tell you how they feel. This journal provides a big list of "feelings & emotions" words that can help them pair words and feelings together. 

This journal is geared towards children ages 6 - 13 but depending on your child's maturity level this age range is flexible. 
Journaling is not just for adults! Kids can benefit from journaling too. Journaling provides an outlet and a safe place to express feelings, work through problems, and record memorable moments. I highly encourage you to get your child started with their first emotions journal today so they can reap the benefits from journaling. 

#2 Gratitude Journal

Teaching your child gratitude is important. One way you can start teaching them about gratitude is to start a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal provides your child with a specific space to express thankfulness for what they have in life. 

Kids seem to learn and enjoy things better when they are given creative prompts and writing ideas. A gratitude journal with prompts and space to express themselves is not only fun but really an intentional practice in thinking about others rather than focusing only on themselves. 

Studies show that those who practice thinking about and writing what they are thankful for are more optimistic, have higher life satisfaction, and feel happier.

For younger children, using the journal to draw what/who they are grateful for works just as well as writing it out. 

#3 Nature Journal

A nature journal encourages children of all ages to explore their outside environment which will foster a deeper appreciation of the world around them. Children are naturally curious which makes this type of journaling so much fun!

Nature journals will: 

• Sharpen your child's observation skills

• Encourage children to ask questions, seek answers, and dive deeper to explore the world around them.

• Provide a place to work on writing and art skills as they express themselves and what they observe in their journal.

• Appreciate the world around them as they connect with nature through their journal and being present at the moment.

#4 Prayer Journal

Teaching your child how to pray is so important. We all know how easy it is for them to get distracted which is why a prayer journal can be a helpful tool to keep them focused and grow in their prayer life. 

Cultivating consistency, especially in your child's prayer life is essential. A prayer journal is a great tool to help you teach them what consistency is and how to be consistent in their prayer life. 

Kids can also use their personal prayer journal to record prayer requests, praises, and answered prayers. It is just amazing to see in black and white the way God has worked in their lives that is why writing down prayer requests is so important. 

A kid's prayer journal is also a great place for your child to write down Scripture verses that they are either memorizing or studying. We all know that writing something down, like a Bible verse, can help us memorize it much faster too. 

#5 Travel Journal

Does your family love to travel? Whether you are trekking across the planet or just exploring a neighboring town, travel journals are a great way for your child to jot down their experiences and memories. 

A travel journal adds an extra layer of fun to each trip your family takes because it allows your child to write down or draw the trip from their perspective. Most travel journals also let your child rate their overall experience so they can track where they liked to go and what places they didn't like as much.

Here is a great camping journal I know your kids will love! 

Journals Aren't Just For Kids!

Of course, these types of journals are not limited to just kids! Adults of any age can benefit from journaling too. Here are a few types of journals you might be interested in starting:

• Fitness Journal

• Medical journal

• Bullet Journal

• Prayer Journal

• Budget / Finance journal

• Holiday journal

• Vacation & Travel Journal

• Camping journal

One of my favorite places to find journals is on Amazon! They have a wonderful selection and I'm sure you will have no problem finding exactly what you and your child need. 

(if you are not yet an Amazon Prime member, now is a great time to join! Click here to get started!)

 

via: Amazon