Scientifically proven Hobbies to keep your brain alert
by Andy Preisier
All
parts of our body age. And our brain does too. We've all witnessed the
natural deterioration of brain functions in older relatives.
Unfortunately, they lose their short-term memories and they gradually
lose the executive functions, as the right frontal lobe loses gray
matter and gets 'mushy'. Even without the dreaded Alzheimer's, our
brains just age. Now; however, neuroscience tells us that we can delay
this process. In some instances, we can reverse brain deterioration by
engaging in some pretty specific activities, most of which we would
consider hobbies. Here are a few of them.
Read anything
Whether you love old classic comic books or the New York Times, brain
researchers tell us that reading actually increases brain function in
several areas. It stimulates the growth of new neural pathways as we
absorb new information. Reading flexes those parts of the brain that
deal with problem-solving, seeing patterns, and interpreting what others
are saying to us about their feelings. It also improves memory, builds
on prior learning (more neural connections), and exercises parts of the
brain that allow imagination. Some research also points to speedreading
as a method to increase synapses (electrical connections between regions
of the brain), since the brains must process sensory information
quickly. Indeed, for many students, speedreading is a valuable skill.
Learn to play a musical instrument
For years, neuro-scientists have conducted research on the benefits
of music instruction for children relative to improved cognitive
functions - memory, problem-solving, sequential processing, and pattern
recognition. Playing an instrument (the voice is also an instrument),
increases gray matter volume and makes neural connections between the
two hemispheres of the brain.
For this reason, scientists believe that early musical training
allows students to be better at both linear math work (algorithms,
equation solving) and mathematical problem-solving (modelling,
optimization, problem research). Playing an instrument ensures both
sides of the brain work together much better.
Now, researchers tell us that taking up a musical instrument as an
adult - young, middle-aged, or older - can produce the same neurological
effects as it does in children.
Exercise on a regular basis
Here's what the science tells us. Exercise produces a protein (BDNF)
in the blood stream. As blood travels through the brain, cells absorb
this protein, which is responsible for both increased memory and focus.
One of the most notable experiments was a photo memory test given to
experimental and control groups. The experimental group exercised before
the test, while the control group did not.
The
experimental group's test results were overwhelmingly better. Members
were able to focus on the photos and then recall them after a period of
waiting.
Learn a new language
Several areas of the brain are used as we take in sound, give it
meaning, and then respond to it - 4 areas in all. Bilingual people have
more gray matter in their language centres. They can focus on more than
one task at a time because parts of the brain that relate to reasoning,
planning, and memory are more developed. Again, scientists began to
study this in children first, looking at those in whose households a
foreign language was spoken, but in whose schools only English was
spoken. Being forced to take in sounds from two different languages and
'sort out' which language was being heard forced these areas of the
brain into greater functioning. Now, it is also known that learning a
language at any stage in one's life has the same forceful effect on the
brain making it smarter.
Engage in cumulative learning
Cumulative learning is defined as that process by which we take what
we already know and layer new information of the same type on top of
that. For example, math is cumulative learning.
Children first learn basic functions. Then they learn how to use
those basic functions to solve word problems. Next, they learn algebra,
using basic functions to solve equations. Every layer goes on top of
what was learned before.
As we age, and especially as we leave the workforce, we tend to cease
cumulative learning activities.
However, research says if we continue to engage in them we sharpen
memory, sequential ordering, problem solving (executive functioning of
right frontal lobe), and language. Maybe we should all take a math or
writing class in our senior years!
Exercise your brain with puzzles and games
We need to think of our brains as both computers and muscles. The
more information we put into our brains, the more functions they can
perform. Likewise, the more we exercise our brains, the stronger they
function. Brain plasticity is a term that is used to refer to the
continually new connections that are made when we take in information,
engage in thinking, and force ourselves to remember things. Crossword
puzzles, deductive thinking activities, and strategic games such as
chess or even some video games, force our brains to take in new
information and make new connections.
Meditate/practise Yoga
Meditation is no longer something that can be thought of as 'that
thing that Hindu and Buddhist monks do.' What research says about
meditation is actually pretty astounding. First, it allows better
control of one's thinking when not in a meditative state.
This control allows focus, concentration, and better memory. In fact,
students who meditate do better on tests, and adults who meditate have
better memories. Meditation increases gray matter in areas of the brain
that control learning and memory. Senior citizens who meditate keep more
gray matter than those who do not. For students with behaviour problems
in school, meditation has been shown to improve behaviour and school
attendance because it reduces stress and anxiety. It would appear that
meditation is a great thing for all ages.
All of these hobbies are things that we can easily incorporate into
our daily lives. Given what science now tells us, they will keep our
brains wonderfully healthy.
(Andy Preisler is an experienced content marketer
and blog writer who enjoys helping people to become successful.)
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