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When it comes to brain health, keeping our minds active is a really great idea. Brain cells are capable of growing and forming new connections from before we are born until well into old age.
Challenging your brain with regular mental exercise is just as important as physical activity for your muscles.
When you challenge your brain with new activity whether it is mental or physical, you help to build your brain capacity. This is like building up your savings so that your brain increases its ability to cope with stress and challenges.
More complex activities like learning a new language or how to play an instrument benefit your brain the most, but all activity counts. If it is fun and social that’s even better.
Here are some ideas to help increase your brain activity:
Challenge your brain to learn something new: In terms of brain health, the more challenging the better. Consider:
- Formal learning like taking a course online, joining a community class or even doing a program of study at university. All new learning is great for your brain health and gives you a sense of achievement.
If that is too daunting remember that even small goals are helpful for brain health including:
- Read a newspaper or a magazine article or listening to talkback radio. These are helpful for brain health over time.
- Listen to audiobooks. This is also a great way to activate your brain and you can listen to these while you are relaxing.
Watching television is generally not as mentally stimulating as reading. Try to limit the time you spend watching television.
Become a member of your local public library: Reading is wonderful for your mind in so many ways. Many libraries also have book and movie clubs, university lectures, a variety of workshops and home book delivery services.
Discover what a computer can do:
- Using a computer, tablet, or smart phone to access the internet is an excellent way to find interesting information and connect with others. Do not let age or lack of experience be a barrier.
- If you are new to computers, there are many user-friendly resources and technologies. Check with your local library for more computer resources.
Make the most of your hobbies and interests: Consider new opportunities to do the things you already enjoy and take it to a new level. This could include joining a class like cooking or photography to help you meet new people with common interests and learn new skills in your preferred subject.
Change your routine: Are you a creature of habit? Take a different route home, shop at a different store, or meet up with a friend you have not seen for a while. By simply changing your routine or introducing new experiences, you activate your brain and add mental exercise to your day.
For enquiries about Live Well contact Dr Carmelo Aquilina, Director of Older People’s Mental Health Service of the South Western Sydney Local Health Service, at SWSLHD-FOH@health.nsw.gov.au.