Hobbies

Hobbies Help!

Hobbies – especially those that challenge you or involve social interaction – are great for your brain and helping you to stay sharp. Continuing to learn and do new things throughout your life increases your resilience in the face of dementia causing diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Taking time for yourself in the form of a hobby also has a positive impact on mental wellbeing, which in turn helps our physical health by reducing stress.

Studying for a course – whether via a leisure class or a qualification – is an excellent way to Stay Sharp. Here are a few other simple steps you could take:

• Learn a language! Learning a language has never been simpler, as there are now podcasts, websites, apps and classes available to help you. Just a few minutes each day can stretch you.
• Ballroom dancing: dancing, when it involves learning steps and routines, is a great way to keep the brain active.
• Learn an instrument: you don’t have to have life-long aspirations to be the next Miles Davis in order to pick up the trumpet! Learning an instrument for fun, whether your plan to perform or not, is great for your fine motor skills, memory, and stretching your brain power.

Read more about how hobbies help with Alzheimer’s Research UK