It is extremely important for everyone to maintain a clear and sharp mind. I think it can be easy to do, but it takes a little extra work on our parts daily. Research suggests that challenging our brain with both new and challenging activities can build new brain cells and enhance connections between them. This can protect us from cognitive deterioration and memory loss later in life. Other benefits are reduction of stress, promoting abilities to recall information faster, and help to feel more engaged with life in general.

The following suggestions are just a few ways to accomplish keeping our brains sharp and clear.

Discover a new favorite Podcast

Since 2004, Podcasts have become increasingly more popular. There are hundreds of thousands that of mentally stimulating and thought-provoking podcasts available. Anything you are intrigued by there is a podcast for you. Amazing podcasts about music, world news, cultures, storytelling, investigation, conversational, monologue, and anything else that peaks your interests.

Become social

Open new horizons for your social comfort zone. Open an account with Meetup.com. This allows you to do something you enjoy with others with similar minds. What are somethings you enjoy? Arts and crafts? Reading? Cooking? Designing? There are meetups for literally anything you can think of. This is a fantastic way to meet people in your area and have an opportunity to engage in challenging and stimulating conversations with those outside your typical social circle. These conversations can be an in-person event or virtually, whichever you are most comfortable with. With COVID still lurking around, I would prefer virtual, but once we are past COVID, it would be a great way to have a few new friends.

Maintain a journal or blog

When we keep a journal or a blog, it works the logical, mental, and creative parts of the brain. These also allow us to work through our emotions without fears of negative judgements.

Go out on an adventure

This does not mean we must travel the world, even though that would be amazing! What this could mean is going to a new side of town you have not seen before or taking a drive to see new site of a nearby city. If we make a new habit to explore new and exciting things and places, this will be adventurous. It will also stimulate our brain and satisfy our curiosity.

Get out your reading list

If you already have a favorite author, you can look up their latest books. You can also look at the New York Times Bestsellers list and pick you top three favorites. Challenge yourself to read them in a specific amount of time. You may want to consider joining a book club, as this will give you a chance to discuss a book with others that read the same book. You can be provided insights you did not see before.

Discover a new hobby

What are a few things you wish you knew how to do? Maybe you wanted to learn how to play the piano, know how to write in calligraphy, be able to meditate or needlepoint. Why wait and why not start today? Hobbies have been proven to help avoid depression and increase brain power. Studies show people of any age that have a hobby maintain healthy communication passages to the brain and promote clear thinking and a sharper memory.

Learn a new language

Learning a new language has been made much easier with programs like https://www.rosettastone.com/ and https://www.duolingo.com/. These provide you with a tutor and can be done virtually. When we learn a new language, we are offered a challenge and a way to learn about new cultures. You can sign up for Verbaling so you can practice you new skill with a tutor or native speaker.

Remember to relax

It is important to take full advantage of calm moments. Set aside time for yourself during the day to do nothing but relax. Do whatever it takes and know everyone finds relaxation in different ways. Your brain will thank you for quiet and peaceful moments.

I hope the information in this post was helpful for you and provides you with the ways needed to keep your mind sharp! If you know any other ways to do this, I do encourage you to share because they may be helpful for others. The good news about today is that we survived Monday and we have the strength to get through the rest of this week!

Thank you for visiting my site today. I hope your week is going well and you are continuing to stay safe. The days can be overwhelming, but please always try to pace yourself and take breaks as you need them. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa