Hobbies are a fun way to relax. Whether you enjoy painting, online gaming, or running, most hobbies offer some kind of benefit, both physical and emotional. There are also hobbies that can improve your focus and boost your IQ. If you’re looking for a new hobby, one that will level up your brain, read on for some ideas.
Learn a Language
Learning to speak a new language is great for improving focus and attention. It can also boost your IQ. In addition, experts say that learning a second language in later life can help lessen the risk of developing dementia. Once you become fluent and can switch between two languages without giving it a second thought, task management becomes easier too.
It doesn’t matter what language you learn, they’re all good for the brain, so why not hop on to Duolingo and choose one? As well as being a fun hobby, it will look good on your resume too.
Arts and Crafts
Creative hobbies are excellent for focus. When you are busy concentrating on creating a piece of art, your brain has to stay engaged. Making art keeps the brain present, which leads to a highly focused yet totally relaxed state of mind.
If you are struggling to remain focused on everyday tasks, try taking up a creative hobby and see how much it helps. Not only are artistic pursuits engaging but they have also been shown to improve memory and cognition, plus relieve anxiety and depression.
Play Strategy Games
Strategy games like chess are good for improving reasoning and problem-solving skills. Your brain forms new neural connections as your skills improve. Because you have to focus hard to win the game, your overall focus will increase in time.
The same applies to online games too. While playing video games might not seem like a useful hobby, it’s more beneficial than many people realize. Spending a few hours playing video games helps you focus and make split-second decisions very quickly. This will improve your working memory.
Try Shooting
Shooting involves high levels of concentration, as you need to focus on a target. Many people say shooting involves 90% mental agility and only 10% physical ability. If you are shooting outdoors, there is a lot to think about, including hand-eye coordination, assessing the wind direction, and other important variables.
If this sounds like a great hobby to you, check out guns and ammo; there are minor but important differences in the ammo you can buy.
Take Regular Exercise
We all know that exercise is good for the heart, but did you know it is also good for the brain and your ability to focus?
Scientific study has found that when we exercise, we produce a type of protein that helps boost focus and memory. Being active raises levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the body. These work in a similar way to Adderall and Ritalin, which are commonly prescribed to people with ADHD. This applies to any sort of exercise, so you don’t need to take up running – a Pilates class offers the same benefits. And if you want to further improve your ability to focus, jump in a cold shower afterward – this increases alertness.
Reading Comics and Books
Reading is a relaxing hobby that also improves focus. Whether you enjoy crime novels or comics, reading will exercise your brain and increase the parts that handle information recall. If reading isn’t your thing, try audiobooks – they offer similar benefits.
Other hobbies that can improve focus include playing music, writing, and cooking. Why not give one of them a try?