“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
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...