The most successful students know there is more to college life than simply eating, sleeping, and studying for tests and coursework — it’s about finding specific activities that keep the brain active and strong.
Currently, you might think solely focusing on reading your medical textbooks is the best and most effective way to make it through medical school.
However, finding hobbies that challenge you will cause your brain to grow stronger and better.
Consequently, in this article, we will explore 9 Best Hobbies For Medical Students that can improve their cognitive performance at medical school.
Let’s Dive In!
Read Books
Reading books, no matter which kind is a healthy workout for your brain.
Research studies suggest that reading consistently improves your brain’s capacity to remember more information. And as we know the more you can retain, the better you’re able to relate to other concepts taught at a later date.
Since reading is a mental exercise, you will develop a better brain.
Learn To Draw
Whether it is just a doodle or a simple shape, neurologists tell us that drawing actually stimulates different areas of the brain. It helps us to absorb information much faster. It also improves memory and improves your ability to visualize complex ideas easier.
Drawing is a valuable skill for any medical student since medicine involves understanding lots of content throughout the academic year.
Have fun drawing.
Learn To Code
Many people always associate the idea of coding with something beyond their reach.
However, as a medical student, coding can help greatly strengthen your brain. Here are the three main ways it does that:
- The Language centers of your brain are ignited when you start coding.
- Your memory is improved.
- It improves your brain’s ability to pay attention to minute details.
Start learning how to code now and improve your studies.
Learn A New Language
As an aspiring doctor, you will have patients from different backgrounds.
Your ability to speak and understand numerous languages will help you relate more effectively with each and every one of them. But in the context of this article, learning a new language as a medical student will improve your brain’s cognitive abilities.
According to research studies, learning a second language causes your brain matter to grow denser and larger.
Who doesn’t love a bigger brain? The bigger it is the more connections it can make.
Play A Musical Instrument
The art of playing a new instrument is a helpful exercise in cognitive improvement.
Research studies have consistently come to the conclusion that learning to play a musical instrument increases the density and volume of gray matter in your brain. Due to this, the number of connections you can make in your brain increases exponentially making learning easier.
Going back to how complex medical textbooks are, your brain will be able to pull through any complex mental activity thrown at it.
Cycle On A Regular Basis
Cycling is a physical hobby every serious medical student must pick up.
Research studies conducted at hard university suggest that consistent cycling causes your brain to produce more neurons which are responsible for making connections in your brain. As a result, your brain is able to work, learn and retain more information much easier. If you ignore this activity, your brain will become shabby, and learning complex topics in medical school will become immensely difficult.
You will be on top of your game sooner than you might expect.
Go For A Run
Running just like cycling falls into the category of a physical hobby important for medical students.
Science tells us that exercising the body by running causes the growth of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) which fosters efficient learning and memory retention. The brain is able to process information more effectively and faster which saves you time to learn other course materials.
By running consistently, your brain will be able to handle complex concepts better.
Write In A Journal
We need to be fully focused and in control of our minds and emotions if we need to study anything.
By throwing your thoughts down on paper, you develop the ability to analyze them and change them. This helps you to combat stress and deal better with depressive thoughts. The result is a better mood and a better brain.
If you engage in consistent journaling, you will become a better student.
Exercise With Crossword Puzzles
Playing crossword puzzles helps you increase your analytical and problem-solving skills.
The way crossword puzzles work is that they allow players to use their brains to develop strategies to beat their opponents during gameplay. Through that, the brain undergoes a workout which improves as we continue the activity. This means that the more we play such games, the better our brains get.
And these sorts of skills are needed in learning difficult concepts in medical courses.
So, you will benefit a lot from this hobby.
Conclusion: Hobbies For Medical Students
Any of these hobbies can be slotted into your daily schedule. The idea is to test and experience the wonders.
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References
- https://www.thecodingspace.com/blog/2022-06-02-3-brainy-benefits-of-coding/#:~:text=Coding%20activates%20the%20brain’s%20learning%20centers&text=Since%20coding%20tasks%20require%20a,learn%2C%20memorize%2C%20and%20perform.
- https://ce.fresno.edu/educator-courses/art-906/
- https://www.bigpaperstrategy.com/drawing-is-learning/
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2018/07/5-powerful-health-benefits-of-journaling/#:~:text=Keeps%20Memory%20Sharp.,may%20reflect%20improved%20cognitive%20processing.
- https://mindworks.org/blog/does-meditation-improve-memory/#:~:text=Regular%20meditation%20increases%20blood%20flow,day%20boosts%20memory%20and%20concentration.
- https://www.progresslifeline.org.uk/news/the-benefit-of-puzzles-for-the-brain/#:~:text=Working%20on%20a%20puzzle%20reinforces,to%20improve%20short%2Dterm%20memory.&text=Puzzles%20increase%20the%20production%20of,as%20we%20solve%20the%20puzzle.
- https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/mental-health-benefits-of-running#:~:text=Brainpower%20Boost,%2C%20higher%20thinking%2C%20and%20learning.
