Do you face problems making calculations when you try to figure out how much your shopping bill would be? Do you feel embarrassed when you fail to calculate the discount amount quickly and how much a product would cost after discount? Do you make use of your mobile phone calculator for simple calculations, and feel awkward in front of your acquaintances?

Mathematics in the Contemporary Times
Most of us have a fixed weekly or monthly budget. Whenever we visit any mall or a store for purchasing anything, we tend to make rough estimates of our purchases. And we cannot deny the fact that sometimes, it does seem to be a daunting task, thanks to the technology-driven world that is making us not only physically but also mentally lethargic.

Why should You Work on Your Maths?
Calculators are a great invention, but they might not always be handy. Students might not be allowed to use them in their educational institutions. In case of working professionals, who would like to be spotted reaching for their mobile phone when it is time to figure out a 15% gratuity? Working on your Maths skills is sure to help you in several situations throughout your life, be it various entrance exams, applying for jobs, getting a mortgage, or calculating different taxes.

Stimulate your Left Brain
Keep yourself mathematically and hence mentally active with the following exercises. It is basically about making the brain work more on logical, word, organisational or number concepts that works wonders to boost your mathematical prowess. And yes, whichever of these mind-drilling methodologies you choose, be consistent in your efforts to reap rich benefits. Indulging in these activities on a daily basis will not let your mind age, howsoever old you grow.

Summarize your Life Think of your life experiences in a brief and orderly fashion. Mathematics needs organization, precision, and keeping track of information, especially when we talk about word problems. When you try to recount any happening of your life in precise and concise terms, you learn how to retain and organize information. Such a simple activity can help you learn to stick to a topic, be orderly, keep your thoughts connected, and reduce repetition. It is also a mental exercise that sharpens your mathematical aptitude. Strange but true!

Puzzles for the Mind Most newspapers carry crossword and sudoku puzzles. Maths ‘is the process of analytical problem solving within a given set of rules’. This definition implies that such puzzles are Mathematics. Maths and logic are closely related.  Sudoku and crosswords need organized thinking that is evident in Mathematics. These interesting fun activities augment your logical thinking ability and thereby your Maths skills. So, just grab a paper and pencil and have fun with puzzles.

Routine Calculations Make it a point to avoid the usage of technology for day-to-day calculations such as counting your change, calculating travelling fare, various bills and allowances, gratuity amount, discounts, drawing up your budget, figuring out a rough estimate of your taxes, and bank interest, etc. Do these calculations mentally; if not precise answers, at least try for estimation. Go back to the basics once again - revise multiplication tables, squares of numbers, and look for simple ways to make routine calculations. For instance, you have to find 106 x 5. Do it the casual way, 106 x 5 = (100 + 6) x 5 = 100 x 5 + 6 x 5 = 500 + 30 = 530. Search the net for quick mental Maths tricks, you will find a lot many of them - just make them a part of your life. It is always better to wear out than to rust out.

Grab the Playing Cards Colourful cards attract kids and adults alike. While there are specific card games for children such as Go Fish, Memory, Concentration, Uno, and Crazy Eights, etc. to boost their memory and mental faculties in a fun-filled manner, adults need something more fascinating. They can definitely revel in the joys of playing the rummy game of skills. This traditional card game makes the players practically implement number concepts of permutations, combinations, and probability, besides propelling them to make quick calculations and exercise visual-spatial intelligence. Just like puzzles, several card games offer fantastic mental workout as well as superb amusement to the players. For adults wishing to go for a quick bout of mental drilling, there is the facility of playing rummy online. A session of the game takes just a few minutes. How about having some mind-storming entertainment?

Video Games Another unthought of and unique way to drill the mind is playing video games. This recreational pursuit improves your cognitive as also mathematical skills. There are specific video games that enable students to finish their Maths test speedily if they play them before the exam. They also stimulate their brain to ensure that kids engaging in them score good marks.  Deploying number concepts is necessary to win in many games that involve abstract and high-level thinking for quantitative analysis like managing resources. Games have internal logic in them, and players have to figure it out by recognizing patterns. Certain video games give a real workout to the brain.

To Conclude
Mathematics has always been an integral part of our lives. It is just that with the advent of modern technology, we started becoming lethargic and stopped putting strain on our minds to make even routine calculations. This has been resulting in reduced mental ability. However, it is never too late. Choose any of the above mentioned exciting and mind-storming activities that help in exercising your brain and make you mathematically endowed!