Mental & Emotional

If you’re feeling a little low recently or finding that your brain is increasingly foggy, try doing something that activates your brain a little more. Engaging your mind is important because it may help promote mental health.

Here are 8 ways to help keep your mind more engaged in everyday life. You should discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing as well as the information below with your doctor. Although further research is necessary, these are just a few ideas to get you started.

Being creative can be a great way to keep your brain engaged. A 2014 study in Creativity Research Journal found that people who practiced musical instruments had more active brains overall. Also, a study from Brain Connectivity found that participants who read and wrote often had better overall memory. Being creative—whether it’s with music, reading, writing, or art—may lead to positive boosts in brain activity.

People have always had a desire to be connected to each other. Some research shows that connecting with others may be good for our brain health. An American Journal of Public Health study found that women who had large social circles reduced their risk of dementia and delayed cognitive impairment. That means our friends and coworkers may be able to help keep us mentally healthy. So dust off that list of contacts, and make plans to reconnect with old buddies, create stronger relationships with existing ones, or even make some new friends.

Learning a new skill set may be an effective way to keep your brain sharp and active. A University of Texas at Dallas study found that learning new skills may help strengthen the connections in your brain, improving memory and keeping the mind engaged. Sign up for a class in something you’ve always wanted to try, like digital photography or glassblowing. You never know what your brain is capable of learning.

High levels of stress may cause your brain harm. One study found that the more stressed you are, the more white matter is found in your hippocampus, which regulates memory and emotion. This causes both to get fuzzier and fuzzier. Try a stress-relieving activity like yoga—but be sure to ask your doctor first.