What Are the Best Hobbies for Brain Health?

SadaNews - There are scientifically proven activities that help maintain brain activity while enjoying time effectively. According to a report published by Good Housekeeping, it might be time to revive an old hobby or try something new. Professor Fanita Dotson, Chair of the Neuropsychology Department at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and author of the book "Keep Your Brain Sharp: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age," states that "engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to maintain brain health," adding that "many hobbies, such as artistic creativity or playing music, stimulate the mind, enhancing the brain's ability to adapt and build new connections."

Hobbies help promote happiness and reduce stress, protecting memory and cognition. Relaxing hobbies, such as knitting or listening to music, which lower stress levels or enhance mindfulness, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to anxiety and cognitive decline. Dotson adds that they increase the release of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

Professor Margaret Rice, a professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, says: "Learning a new activity is stimulating and rewarding. Many studies have shown that new and positive experiences boost dopamine release." Practicing any activity that stimulates a certain brain circuit strengthens it, as repeated actions lead to stronger synaptic connections in the pathways underlying the behavior in question. Strengthening synaptic connections is a key element in learning and memory.

Professor Dotson states: "Learning may take a bit longer than when a person was younger, but the brain is still capable of learning and adapting. The brain maintains neuroplasticity, or its ability to reorganize and form new neural pathways in response to experience, throughout life."

Dotson adds that studies have shown that healthy seniors who start a new hobby exhibit positive changes in their brains, such as increased size of different brain areas and enhanced cognitive processing efficiency. However, research shows that even individuals with cognitive impairments or dementia can benefit cognitively and emotionally from practicing the following hobbies:

1- Aerobic Exercise
Physical activities, like brisk walking or hiking, top the list of beneficial hobbies. Results from a recent study revealed that exercising improves cognitive functions among participants in their fifties and above, regardless of their cognitive condition.

2- Music
Whether a person listens to music, sings, or learns to play a musical instrument, music has been shown to keep the brain active. Research has not determined why music is beneficial for humans, but one theory suggests it engages multiple nervous systems in the brain.

3- Gardening
Whether growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening has scientifically been proven to be beneficial for the brain. One study showed that levels of brain nerve growth factors associated with memory significantly increased after engaging in gardening, which also gives a sense of accomplishment.

4- Arts and Crafts
Handy creativity is another way to maintain brain health. Professor Dotson notes that one study found that practicing visual arts, such as coloring, doodling, and free painting, activates the middle prefrontal cortex. Participants feel that these activities provide relaxation as well as improvement in creativity and problem-solving at the end of each art session.

5- Volunteering
Professor Dotson states that social interaction keeps the brain active, and volunteering provides a sense of connection and purpose. Results from one study indicated that regular or formal volunteering is associated with higher levels of cognitive performance over time, particularly in working memory and processing.

6- Embroidery
Knitting, embroidery, crocheting, and lace-making are hobbies that can support brain health. Professor Dotson highlights the results of a recent study that indicated embroidery has a positive effect on mental health and overall well-being, including enhancing social interaction, sense of purpose, accomplishment, and satisfaction.

7- Reading
A long-term study found that reading, especially for those who do so more than once a week, prevents long-term cognitive decline in seniors. Professor Rice explains that reading keeps language centers active, so it's important to choose topics of interest, whether it be mystery, fiction, or historical novels.

8- Puzzles and Games
Research has shown that solving daily word puzzles is not just a way to pass the time; it supports brain health. Professor Rice says: "Word puzzles can improve language skills and strategic and flexible thinking."

9- Birdwatching
In addition to supporting local wildlife, who would have imagined that birdwatching could be beneficial? Professor Dotson refers to a recent study that found that following and observing birds is associated with improved mental health for many, including individuals with depression.