Hobbies are good ways for us to stay productive mentally and physically. Some are mentally stimulating and good for your health. Some could be beneficial in lowering your risk of dementia. One of the best times to start a new hobby is during the summer season. Let’s learn about four mentally stimulating summer hobbies that keep you active and could be beneficial in reducing dementia risk.
Why Mental Stimulation Matters for Brain Health
Doing things to stimulate the brain is beneficial for its health. The more active the brain is, the more its overall functioning will be well supported. Our favorite hobbies serve as forms of cognitive enrichment that stimulate attention, memory, coordination, and executive function. Whether it’s reading, hiking, or exercising, all of these productive activities are beneficial in improving our cognitive abilities. Consistent engagement in activities that promote thinking ability can delay or maybe even reduce the risk of dementia. A past review from the Cochrane Library shows that crossword puzzles, games, and other mentally challenging activities could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease for people with mild to moderate symptoms.
Choosing Seasonal Hobbies is Beneficial
Of course, you can start a hobby or two any time of the year. However, to slow down the risk of dementia, summer activities have become especially beneficial. During the summertime, people tend to go out more and enjoy the natural sunlight. It’s also an easier time to engage in more fitness activities. Vitamin D is said to be associated with better cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Research shows in a study that natural sunlight plays a key role in protecting against cognitive decline and dementia. This makes the summer season a great time to become mentally active.
4 Mentally Stimulating Summer Activities You Should Try
If you don’t have any usual hobbies you like to do during the summer months, don’t worry. There are plenty of interesting hobbies you can start (or restart) to have a satisfying season. As we grow older, lowering any early signs of dementia is becoming important. So here are some ideas of brain-boosting summer activities you can try today.
Volunteering for Summer Events
Depending on where you live, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available. You could help out at different industry-related conferences and conventions for a day. There are also fun opportunities to participate in helping out some local Chicago parks and gardens this summer. You can find more information here.
Learn an Outdoor Skill like Kayaking
Have you ever thought of learning a new skill? The summertime season is the best time to do so. Learning something new is always beneficial for keeping the brain sharp. You’ll be able to build new neural pathways through skill acquisition. Why not consider getting involved in a fun outdoor skill you never did before? Some fun examples include kayaking or nature photography.
Start and Build Your Own Garden
Have you ever thought of starting a garden? Whether you want to start a fruit and vegetable garden or you want to grow some unique plants, the summer season is the perfect time to develop a green thumb. Gardening is also calming and stimulates the mind. For those already living with dementia, it’s a multi-sensory experience where that person can utilize their sense of touch, smell, and sight.
Start an Arts & Crafts Hobby in the Summer
Arts & crafts hobbies such as painting, drawing, or creating collages are a great way to get the mind working. It’s a productive hobby that helps you stay alert and sharp. Painting has been known to help with mood and anxiety. It could also help boost confidence and motor skills. When you have a painting party together, you’ll be able to connect with people, which is especially beneficial for the mind.
How You Can Stay Consistent in Your Hobbies
These summer fun activities are just a few you can try your hand at today. There are plenty of others you can make a part of your usual routine. But how you can stay consistent in these hobbies? That could require quite a bit of discipline to engage in these hobbies continuously. You could start by setting one or a few easy-to-achieve brain health goals. Creating a weekly hobby calendar is another interesting idea. Also, why not include other people like friends and family in helping you stay consistent? Doing these things will help in keeping you mentally active over the summer.
Do you have mentally stimulating summer hobbies that could reduce your risk of dementia? What about any outdoor activities that you like to get involved in? Feel free to share your favorite mentally stimulating summer activities in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next hobbyist you know.
