In a Nutshell

This post builds on the previous post where we discussed working memory in detail.

To sum up the key points:

• Working memory is a fundamental cognitive function that allows us to temporarily hold and manipulate information for tasks like reasoning, learning, and comprehension.
• Working memory has a limited capacity – 4 ± 1 items, according to recent research.
• In terms of duration, information in working memory typically lasts about 10 to15 seconds.

For more information, check out Total Recall: What’s Stored in Your Memory Bank?

Spicing Your Cognitive Flexibility up with a Challenge

The game you’re about to play, conceptually similar to digit span tasks used in psychological testing, is an excellent challenge to enhance both your working memory and cognitive flexibility.

The game activates your visuospatial sketchpad, which enables you to temporarily hold both visual and spatial information. In this game, you’ll need to remember which numbers you’ve clicked and where the next number is located.

In addition, this is a kind of dual-task processing that we also mentioned in the previous post. Here, you need to maintain awareness of the next number in a sequence of 25, all the while keeping your eye on the grid to locate it. Such dual engagement of memory and visual search strengthens your cognitive load management.

Furthermore, this game includes a countdown feature which ensures you act quickly. This trains your brain to prioritize essential information while ignoring distractions. Such time pressure improves your processing speed and helps build resilience under pressure. Time-constrained tasks, like these, leverage principles from cognitive load theory. Additionally, the grid of numbers directs your focus to essential elements, which helps you filter out distractions and stay focused on your goal. Research shows that moderate time pressure, like the countdown in this game, improves decision-making and activates attention networks in the brain. This combination of timing and sequencing sharpens your cognitive efficiency and sustains your focus throughout the challenge.

(To digress a bit, this actually explains why I changed my personal score from 29 to 16 seconds while I was testing the game immediately after I reduced the countdown time from 5 to 3 seconds. What – you didn’t think the game just mysteriously materialized here? Someone had to do all the aligning and testing. 😉)

Among other things, games like this often create a “flow state,” where players are fully absorbed in the task. This state has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental clarity. In addition, the grid with numbers taps into basic numeracy and pattern recognition, which is yet another foundational skill for solving cognitive tasks.

Needless to say, activities like this game can promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and grow, so regular engagement in such exercises may improve not only memory but also problem-solving and decision-making skills. These activities can also enhance sustained attention and reduce mental fatigue.

As we already mentioned, working memory activities fire up prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, sequencing, and executing tasks. And – always worth remembering – cognitive exercises in general are linked to slower memory decline related to age.

Therefore, if you wish to keep your memory sharp, check out the game below.

Let the Countdown Begin!

The following game consists of a grid with 25 numbers presented in a random order. Your task is to click the numbers from 1 to 25 in the correct order in the shortest period possible. Pay attention – you will only have 3 seconds between each click to find the correct number, so focus is paramount to complete the exercise. If the time expires, or you make a mistake, the game is over, and you have to start all over again.

But don’t worry – mistakes are only proof that you’re learning!

Good luck & let the countdown begin!

What’s your best score? Get in touch & let’s raise the bar together!

Remember – practice makes it perfect – so play again to beat your score and hone your memory even further!

Keep your mind sharp and your smile brighter!