8 Mentally Stimulating Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way to keep busy, find enjoyment, and learn something new. They’re also a terrific way to keep your brain engaged. Consider trying one or more of the following eight hobbies to potentially stimulate your brain.

1. Start a Garden

Spring is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to begin planning a garden. Gardens are rewarding. They keep you busy, provide a little exercise, and relieve stress. One study suggests gardening 20 minutes a day with low to moderate intensity may support various bodily processes relating to memory.

2. Learn a Language

Learning a new language is fun and can exercise your brain. You don’t have to become fluent. Just pick a language and learn a few key phrases used in everyday conversations. Even studying a language for five or 10 minutes a day can give you a positive cognitive workout.

3. Take Up Needlework

Knitting, crocheting, and embroidery involve concentration, while helping you work on fine motor movements and hand-eye coordination. Even better, you’re rewarded with a handmade item you’ve created.

4. Listen to Music

Listening to music often provides mental stimulation, support for anxious feelings, and happiness. Just a few minutes a day can do wonders.

5. Learn an Instrument

Want to kick your music listening up a notch? Take your love of music a step further to get yourself thinking and exercise your motor skills at the same time by learning to play one or more of the following:

• Guitar
• Ukelele
• Piano
• Harmonica
• Bongos
• Flute

6. Play Chess

Playing chess involves critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategy. Never played chess before? Start by learning the basic rules and practice for about 15 minutes a day. Not a fan of chess? Try other strategic games, such as Ticket to Ride, Catan, or Scrabble.

7. Try Creative Hobbies

You can nurture your imagination, exercise your cognitive abilities, and feel a sense of satisfaction after you make something. Creative hobbies include:

• Photography
• Painting
• Drawing
• Sculpture/pottery
• Writing or Journaling

Check to see if your community holds classes at your local library or senior center. Classes also provide the opportunity for some fun and socialization!

8. Daily Walks

Walking is a great hobby since it also involves physical exercise, and, unlike other forms of exercise, you can do it at your own pace. Evidence suggests taking daily walks can potentially benefit your overall health.

Consider Taking Prevagen to Help Support Healthy Cognitive Function

Keeping stimulated is important. In addition to trying hobbies to exercise your brain, you can also consider taking Prevagen as a memory supplement to support healthy cognition.

Prevagen is a cognitive supplement containing apoaequorin, an ingredient originally discovered in jellyfish. To learn more details, read real Prevagen user reviews.