Integrating Brain Training into Your Daily Routine (Without It Feeling Like Work)

When I first started brain training, I treated it like homework. Like, actual homework. I'd force myself to play, feel guilty when I didn't, beat myself up about it, and then eventually just... give up.

Sound familiar? Because it happened to me like 5 times before I figured it out.

The problem wasn't the games. The games are fine. The problem was my approach. I was trying to use willpower, and willpower is a finite resource. Eventually, it runs out.

It took me way too long to realize that the key isn't willpower—it's integration. You have to make brain training part of your life, not an addition to it. Like brushing your teeth or checking your email. Just something you do, not something you have to remember to do.

Here's how I finally figured it out (after many, many failures).

The Habit Stacking Thing

So I read this book called "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (great book, highly recommend). He talks about something called "habit stacking" which is basically: attach a new habit to something you already do.

Genius, right? Why didn't I think of that?

I already had a morning routine: wake up, stumble to kitchen, make coffee, check email while coffee brews, drink coffee. So I just... added brain games right after coffee. Now it's automatic. I don't think about it. I finish my coffee, I play brain games. That's just what I do.

Find something you already do every day, and attach brain training to it. Maybe it's after your morning coffee (like me). Maybe it's during your lunch break. Maybe it's right before bed. Whatever works for you.

The key is: it has to be something you ALREADY do. Don't try to create a whole new routine. Just add to what's already there.

Make It Easy

The easier something is to do, the more likely you are to do it. So I made brain training as easy as possible:

• Bookmarked the games on my phone's home screen
• Set a reminder (but not an annoying one)
• Started with just 5 minutes (easy to commit to)

Remove all friction. The fewer steps between "I should play" and "I'm playing," the better.

The 2-Minute Rule (Life Saver)

This is another trick from that book. The idea is: if you don't feel like doing something, just commit to 2 minutes. That's it. Just 2 minutes.

Most days, once I start playing, I'll play longer. Like, I'll do 2 minutes and then think "eh, I'm already here, might as well do 10 minutes." But on days when I really, really don't feel like it? 2 minutes is enough. It keeps the habit alive without feeling like a huge commitment.

I use this for everything now. Don't feel like exercising? Just 2 minutes. Don't feel like meditating? Just 2 minutes. Don't feel like playing brain games? Just 2 minutes.

Usually, once you start, you'll keep going. But if you don't? That's fine. 2 minutes is better than 0 minutes.

Find Games You Actually Like

This is huge. If you don't enjoy the games, you won't play them. It's that simple.

I tried a bunch of different brain training apps before finding games I actually liked. Some were boring. Some were too hard. Some just felt like work. But games like our Sequence Memory or Aim Trainer? Those I actually enjoy playing.

Find games that are fun. You're more likely to stick with something you enjoy.

Don't Make It a Big Deal

I used to think I needed to play for 30 minutes every day. That felt like a big commitment. So I'd put it off. Then I'd feel guilty. Then I'd give up.

Now I just play when I have a few minutes. Waiting in line? Play a quick game. Coffee break? Play a quick game. Bored? Play a quick game.

It doesn't have to be a formal session. Just play when you can.

Track Progress (But Keep It Simple)

Tracking progress helps with motivation. But don't make it complicated. I just log my best score for each game once a week. That's it. Takes 2 minutes.

Seeing that line go up over time is motivating. But if tracking feels like work, you'll stop doing it. Keep it simple.

Be Flexible

Some days you won't play. That's okay. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just get back to it the next day.

I used to have an all-or-nothing mindset. If I missed a day, I'd think "Well, I've ruined my streak, might as well give up." That's nonsense. One missed day doesn't ruin anything.

Make It Social (If That Helps)

Some people like competition. If that's you, compare scores with friends. Or join online communities. Or just share your progress on social media.

I'm not super social about it, but I do sometimes share my scores with friends. It adds a little accountability.

The Routine That Works For Me

Here's my actual routine:

• Morning: Play 5-10 minutes after coffee (habit stacking)
• Throughout the day: Play quick games when I have spare minutes
• Evening: Sometimes play before bed if I'm winding down

It's not rigid. It's flexible. But it's consistent.

Common Mistakes

1. Making it too complicated: Keep it simple. Just play.

2. Setting unrealistic goals: "I'll play for an hour every day" is a recipe for failure. Start small.

3. Treating it like work: It should be fun. If it's not, find different games.

4. Giving up after missing a day: One missed day doesn't matter. Just get back to it.

5. Comparing yourself to others: Your progress is your own. Don't worry about other people.

The Bottom Line

So the key to making brain training a habit? It's not willpower. It's integration. Make it part of your existing routine. Make it easy. Make it fun. And for the love of god, don't make it a big deal.

Start small. Be consistent (but not perfect—perfect is the enemy of good). Be flexible. And most importantly, enjoy it.

If you're not enjoying it, you're doing it wrong. Find games you actually like. Play when you can. Don't stress about it. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a day.

Brain training should enhance your life, not complicate it. Keep it simple, and you'll stick with it.

That's what worked for me, anyway. Your mileage may vary. But if you're struggling to stick with it, try these things. They might help.