“Hobby Hack” Keeps Your Brain Fit for LIFE
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 8, 2024
Most folks are concerned about their brain health.
That’s especially true as we age and “senior moments” become more common.
In fact, it’s why I regularly share brain-boosting tips and tricks here in Living Well Daily.
And taking the right supplements, getting good sleep, and exercising will always be at the top of the list.
But there’s something ELSE you can do to support your brain health that’s likely to surprise you.
Want to hold on to your steel-trap memory and keep your brain firing on all cylinders well into your Golden Years?
Get a hobby.
You see, our brains work best when pushed, kept busy, and taught new things.
So, participating in strategy-driven sports (like pickleball), cerebral games (like chess), or mentally challenging crafts (like knitting) is essentially “exercise” for your brain.
Continuing to participate in activities like these as you age can keep your mind sharp and protect you from memory loss.
Plus, they’re FUN!
Some hobbies are especially good for brain health…
- Learning to play an instrument: Playing an instrument stimulates parts of your brain that help with remembering, sound processing, motor skills, and more.
- Learning a new language: Being able to speak and understand a new language increases your mental strength, making it easier to concentrate, multitask, and think quickly.
- Playing strategy games: Games like chess, go, and bridge use parts of your brain that help with planning, reasoning, and fixing problems.
- Reading: Reading improves vocabulary, attention span, and critical thinking.
- Arts and crafts: Painting, knitting, sewing, and other creative activities help keep your brain engaged and fine motor skills flexible.
- Puzzles: Brain teasers, crosswords, sudoku, jigsaws, and trivia games help brain cells make new connections.
- Writing: When you write stories, poems, or journal entries your recall and organizational skills improve.
- Dancing: Learning dance steps and the physical act of dancing exercises your brain by engaging memory, coordination, and rhythm.
- Photography: Taking photos improves your ability to manage visual-spatial information and recall details.
- Cooking and baking: Following recipes requires attention to detail, math skills, organizational abilities, and multitasking skills.
- Gardening: Gardening requires planning, organization, and fine motor skills, all of which keep your brain flexible.
These types of activities build new brain connections and lower the risk of developing neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But the truth is that almost any activity that feels engaging to YOU will benefit your brain. Adopting an interesting hobby is a fun way to keep your mind fit for life.
P.S. Quick and easy brain health QUIZ (Try it!)
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...