Hobbies are supposed to enrich our lives, they bring us joy, keep us occupied in the slower moments of our lives, and some of them even keep our brains active. Whilst hobbies like solving math problems, or playing chess are obvious contenders for boosting brain function, there are some other pastimes that do wonders for our brains that may surprise you. We’ve counted down some hobbies that are not only great fun but also help our brains in ways you might not expect.
Card Games
Card games in general are a favorite of those who enjoy giving their brains a workout, but some of the best brains in the business enjoy poker the most. This game is a little mathematical, if you get good then you’ll be wanting to learn how to work out pot odds for example, but more than that it’s a social workout too.
Looking for your opponents tells you to see if they’re bluffing exercises parts of your brain that you utilize in all of your social interactions. Doing all of this whilst also making sure you play the best hand possible teaches you to think logically under pressure.
Although poker is a simple game to pick up, it’s a difficult skill to master, making it a workout that your brain will enjoy. If you’re hoping to try out your newfound skills online then these are some of the Best Poker Sites for you to try.
Walking
If you’re the kind of person who only walks as far as your car and backs each day then you may be missing out on the opportunity to give your brain a boost. Walking is one of the best activities that you can do for your mental health. Being outside allows you to breathe in fresh air and experience a world of sights and sounds that you just don’t get to indoors.
Although this may seem mundane, it’s been proven that our brains benefit hugely from it. Taking careful notice of our senses whilst we walk does similar things to our brain that meditation does. It helps us to slow down and take note of what is going on in the present moment, the perfect antidote to a busy modern life.
Pet Ownership
If you’re in need of a reason to get out walking then they don’t come much cuter than a four-legged friend. Owning a pet is a joy, we love to spoil them with treats and cuddle them on the couch, but it’s also hard work. It’s been found that owning a dog builds empathy in humans, as we look to find ways that we can communicate with an animal that doesn’t (always) speak our language.
Not only this but training animal tricks has benefits too. If you’ve ever taught a dog something, you’ll know the feeling of euphoria when they finally understand. These endorphin boosts are good for our brain, rewarding our patience with that soundlessly happy feeling, teaching us to be patient and persistent in other areas of our lives as well.
Featured image: Unsplash (Jad Limcaco).
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