4 Hobbies That Might Boost Your Brain
By Genevieve Cunningham
Hobbies are good for you. They keep you involved and active in life. They give you something to do to take the place of idle time. They help you learn and grow as a person. Plus … you get to choose them yourself, so they’re interesting and fun. But, partaking in hobbies might also be good for your health. More specifically, it might be good for your brain. Take a look at these four fun hobbies that might boost the health of your brain and keep you sharp as a tack.
Read
No-brainer, right? Reading not only allows you to take in new information every time you open a book, but it keeps your vocabulary in shape, improves your grammar skills, and even teaches you empathy. It’s thought that children who read are more able to assess the emotions that other children portray. They also continuously test with higher averages than those who don’t read. If this hobby isn’t one of your faves, experiment with different types of books until you find something you like.
Play an Instrument
Playing, or more specifically learning, an instrument forces you to engage in multiple tasks at one time. You have to connect what you see (the notes and music) to what you’re doing (with your hands). You’ll develop an ear for tones and pitches, engage in some mean hand-eye coordination, and still develop finesse required with almost all musical instruments. And as a bonus, once you get past the very beginning, this hobby is a ton of fun.
Speak a New Language
This one is tough, but so completely worth it! Becoming bilingual requires you to expand the way that your brain inputs and outputs signals. You’ll take on new grammar rules, translate in your head constantly, and finally begin to think in your new language of choice. This one is incredibly beneficial in the future as well, as speaking another language opens so many more doors in life. Plus, don’t forget that there are so many options. Spanish, Italian, French, Mandarin, or even Sign Language. Choose one that suits you and enjoy.
Get Cooking
Yes, this is generally a necessity, but it can be a hobby as well. Learn to cook new and exciting dishes. Explore new flavors, new textures, and ingredients that you can’t even pronounce. This will be good for your brain, but it may also be good for your social life (who doesn’t love food?!) and your physical health as well.
Hobbies are an essential part of a happy life. Choose some hobbies that interest you and get busy! You may be able to keep your life exciting, your health in better condition, and your brain sharp for years to come.