Aging is a constant factor in our lives and with it comes cognitive decline. Mental decline as the days go by is evident in the lives of our old folks. We see it every day. They suffer from memory loss, lose their executive functions, and also part ways with most of their brain matter. However, according to scientific experts, this natural process can be arrested and even reversed completely by engaging in meaningful leisure activities in their spare time.

So, here are 5 effective hobbies for the brain to make it work faster and smarter according to Science.

Remember the brain gets stronger with even the simplest of activities if done consistently. So, whether you’re a man, woman, or teenager, don’t neglect your brain. Let it thrive.

Best  Hobbies For The Brain That Will Raise Your IQ

Make Reading a Habit

Mental stimulation is an essential part of life and reading is one activity that keeps you mentally stimulated and your brain functioning properly. And remember, it doesn’t matter what you read, so far as it challenges you to think and reason. Reading according to brain experts boosts many areas of your brain. Reading creates and strengthens the neural pathways in our brain for soaking in information. Using the analogy of the brain as a muscle, the more you read, the better your brain gets at solving problems and thinking creatively.

So, read good books from good writers and let your brain thrive. Talking of writers, writing is also healthy for our brains.

Write Everyday

We all know writing is a complex activity although most people think it’s simple. The very process of thinking of ideas, and presenting those ideas in a logical and coherent form is an illustration of its complexity. This, however, is a good thing and is what your brain needs. According to an article by Barry Jordan, a neurobiologist in Scientific American, as you write, several parts of your brain are active and are really healthy for you.

You improve your reasoning skills, and your memory and protect yourself from cognitive decline. Due to these reasons, we must say that everybody who reads this post must take it upon themselves to write at least 200 words a day. Try it. You might just love it.

Learn to play a musical instrument

Writing is an effective activity, but learning how to play a musical instrument also has its pecks.

Learning to play a musical instrument takes effort but is a very effective way of keeping your brain healthy and strong. This is truly evident when it is your first time. Your brain starts creating new neural connections, strengthening with each repetition and helping your brain to grow and flourish. The brain thrives on complexity and the more complex activity, the healthier it gets. A scientific journal, Psychological Science did a study in 2013 which shines a light on why the brain loves complex activities.

This is one hobby you can do with your significant other, a friend, your kids, and even your entire family.

Playing Board Games

Research has found that playing board games whether be it by yourself or with others can increase your level of intelligence. The consistent playing of board games stimulates and improves sections of the brain necessary for processing complexity and memory. This leads to a better brain making you more efficient at solving problems and making more intelligent decisions.

If you’re interested in playing board games and enjoy all the benefits it comes with, check out my board games page for more ideas.

Also check our board game quotes for words of inspiration.

Learn a New Language

Learning a new language as a brain booster is not news but is still an effective skill for building and strengthening your brain. This is because learning a new language is complex and requires most of your brain to create many connections and relationships between different areas of your brain. During the process of learning a language, you learn new words, construct phrases, build sentences, and use them to communicate with others. This is the reason why bilingual people have more developed brains than non-bilinguals.

We at Hobby Sprout would gladly say that if anything is healthy for your brain, then go for it.

Engage in daily bodily exercises

Becoming a mental acrobat is great, but your brain potentially also benefits from exercising your body.

Science has proven that constantly exercising our bodies makes us smarter. During exercise, our brains marshal more neurons and make more connections in our brains. According to Harvard Health, physical exercise of any kind can help boost your brain functions.

Check this post about hobbies you can do to keep fit.

Conclusion

Be sure to engage in any of these hobbies to help you keep your brain and mind healthy and sharp. There is a mountain of evidence why these hobbies are healthy for us. Pick one and improve yourself.