Studies have shown that people who keep their minds active lower their risks of developing dementia in later life.
Some ways to keep you mind active at any age:
Take up a new hobby - Whether you take up gardening, playing an instrument, drawing or hiking, enjoying a new hobby has benefits on the connections within your brain. Gardening, music, art, yoga, languages - all of these and more can have a beneficial effect on your brain. The learning itself is beneficial to your brain, but also doing something you enjoy releases endorphins which have a positive effect on your overall health and circulation which creates a positive effect on your brain function.
Learn something new - Taking a class at your local university or community college or learning through a private instructor, whatever new thing you want to learn, whether you are learning a new language, learning about psychology or taking a class on modern art, this learning will keep your brain working and help keep it young. The white matter in your brain is called myelin, and it helps improve performance on many different tasks. The more you practice a new skill you are learning, the more dense the myelin in your brain becomes, which, in turn, helps you to learn better.
Start exercising - Exercise increases your heart rate, which, in turn, pumps more oxygen to your brain. It also aids in the release of many hormones within your body which can create a more nourishing environment for your brain cells to grow. Research suggests that aerobic exercise helps create brain cells and improves the way your brain works. Regular exercise changes your brain to improve memory and thinking skills.
I am learning four new things, or rather, taking up four new hobbies. One is singing and vocal training. The other is playing the guitar. The third is learning a new language: Korean, and the fourth is learning to compose music. A fifth thing, which I need to find a location for before I decide whether to take it up again or not is swimming.
What are some new things you are learning or new hobbies you have decided to take up?
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