Like your biceps or quads, your brain needs regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. As you age, you may start to notice changes in your ability to recall things or solve problems, but by actively engaging in some activities, you can help protect and sharpen your mind. Discover hobbies to help you pass the time and improve your brain health.
1. Learning a New Language
Research says bilingualism may help prevent cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Aging monolinguals can still combat the onset of dementia through learning a new language. If you love watching Korean dramas, why not learn the language to eliminate the need for subtitles? Perhaps you have a planned trip to Paris — it’s your sign to learn French to converse with locals. Mobile apps like Duolingo can help you hone your skills anytime, anywhere.
2. Solving Puzzles
Sure, jigsaw puzzles can be frustrating sometimes, especially when that one piece feels out of place. However, the challenge is what makes them fun. They stimulate various brain parts, helping improve spatial and logical thinking. Consequently, math-based and word-based puzzles help improve memory.
3. Doing Yoga
Yoga feeds the mind, body and soul. A study showed that yoga devotees had a thicker cerebral cortex — the part of the brain that processes information — and hippocampus — the area linked to memory and learning — than those who don’t practice it. This is a low-impact exercise you can do in the morning or before bedtime to simultaneously relax your mind and body.
4. Gardening
Gardening can be a breath of fresh air if you’ve spent your whole career in an office. It’s an excellent hobby for retirees who now have the time and energy to enjoy life. Most older adults retire between 65 and 70 — the period when their brains undergo natural changes. You can help improve your physical strength and cognitive abilities by tending plants and vegetables.
5. Crocheting
Crocheting helps keep your mind and hands busy, making it an ideal boredom buster. It positively affects attention and promotes relaxation. The best thing is that you get something tangible at the end, whether a coaster, scarf or blanket, making this hobby more rewarding.
6. Join or Start a Book Club
If you enjoy reading, consider joining or starting a book club in your community. Discuss your favorite books with new and longtime friends, hold a silent reading session and discover new reads together. Reading is one of the best brain activities, and spending it around like-minded people makes it more enjoyable.
7. Exercising
Turning fitness into a hobby makes it a natural part of your lifestyle, making it easy to exercise regularly. Walking, jogging and hitting the gym can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. Move as much as possible and find others also into it to make exercising more exciting.
How to Make Time for a New Hobby
Keeping up with hobbies can be challenging and may even feel impossible, especially if you’re juggling career, family and personal life. However, these hobbies can help engage your brain and improve its health in the long run. Here’s how to pursue a new passion successfully:
- Set realistic goals: You don’t have to master everything in a single day. It’s OK to try it slowly and assess if you’re interested in pursuing it.
- Put your phone away: Put it down or in another room so you can focus on working on your hobbies.
- Make time: Look for pockets of time you can use to hone your new interest.
- Have fun: Don’t take your hobby too seriously. Learn how to have fun and reward yourself with something after committing to your schedule to maintain your enthusiasm.
Unlock Your Brain’s Potential
Keeping your brain active doesn’t have to feel like a chore. These hobbies can help you sharpen your mind, improve your skills and have fun in the process. Remember to stay consistent and dedicated to reap the mental health benefits.
