“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.
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