If we want to strengthen our muscles, we have to demand them. When it comes to our brain, it is no different. The good news: It can also be really fun – with these 4 ideas.
If you want to strengthen muscles, you have to challenge them – it is no different with the brain. The good news: intellectual training can not only be effective, but also entertaining. Here you can find out why classic exercises like crossword puzzles alone are not enough – and which activities the brain really get on.
The brain protects intellectual activity
Starting a new hobby, learning a language or joining a theater group – all of this not only brings variety to everyday life, but also demands the brain. Because intellectual fitness is mainly created by acquiring new content and solving unknown tasks. That pays off:
Studies show that those who demand their brain into old age have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia
Alzheimer’s research initiative (AFI)
Why do crossword puzzles are not enough
Crossword puzzles are considered classics under the sports of thinking. According to AFI, however, they are not sufficient to keep the brain fit in the long term – because they fall back on already known knowledge. The brain also hardly demands television. Instead, new stimuli and thinking processes are in demand.
Four activities that strengthen the brain
These four impulses have been shown to promote mental performance – and can be easily integrated into everyday life:
1. Experience music consciously
Regardless of whether you listen to music, do it yourself or dances: music activates many brain regions at the same time. Tip of the AFI: change your playlist regularly and discover new music styles. Unusual sounds stimulate the brain particularly effectively.
2. Care social contacts
Conversations, laughter or discussions demand our brain in a variety of ways – by listening, reacting and interpreting non -verbal signals such as facial expressions and gestures. Social interaction is therefore much more than sociable – it is a real brain training.
3. break routine
Leave your usual paths: Choose new paths when walking, drive a different route to work or buy in a foreign supermarket. Even small changes such as brushing your teeth with the unusual hand can activate the brain in a new way.
4. Learn new things
Whether a new language, an instrument or a sport – learning the brain stimulates sustainably. It is important that the challenge gets you a bit out of the comfort zone and you stay on regularly.
Conclusion: mental fitness is no coincidence. Anyone who regularly demands the brain – with new experiences, social contacts and varied activities – can strengthen their cognitive reserve and thus better prevent dementia in the long term. And the best thing about it: it can also be fun.
Read more on utopia.de:
- Study finds new risk factors for dementia – what you can do
- Red meat can promote the risk of dementia
- Expert on mental fitness: “From 30 you should consider three things”
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