Try out one of these fun hobbies for a brain boost and some fun this winter.
Winter is the perfect time to learn a new game, hobby, or activity to help keep you occupied during colder weather. Whether you try a new solo activity or invite friends over for a social experience, trying some new hobbies can keep your brain sharp and active, even on the coldest, darkest days. Let’s take a look at some of these fun ways to keep your mind working this winter!
Try a New Recipe
Trying a new recipe can be a creative and rewarding way to work your brain. Try a new recipe with techniques, flavors, or ingredients you haven’t tried before for a completely new experience. You’ll get the satisfaction of a fun afternoon activity and the benefit of dinner, a freshly baked bread, or a tasty and decadent dessert to share with friends and family. Try incorporating a new recipe each week or inviting friends over for a baking day to keep your motivation high during the winter.
Learn a New Instrument
Learning a new skill is a fantastic way to keep your brain sharp, and learning a musical instrument can have many positive benefits. Learning a musical instrument can boost brain function and activate different lobes of your brain, and has the added bonus of creating beautiful sounds to enjoy. You can take lessons for a social activity, learn online from the quiet of your home, or have a friend come over and learn together. Try researching a variety of instruments to find one that fits your budget, space, and even your ideal music style.
Try Some Brain Games
Puzzles? Ciphers? Codes and word scrambles? All of these brain games are fun, entertaining, and will help stretch out your mental muscles! There are many books or magazines you can purchase with your preferred game of choice, or many other games, like Sudoku, word searches, or cipher games, may come as free apps or websites. Physical puzzles can be a great evening activity and can be done with others. Try visiting a thrift store for a used puzzle or pick out a fun themed puzzle to do with the grandkids, too.
Learn a New Game
Learning a new activity is a great way to help fire your neurons, and combining that with a strategy game is a home run for brain activity. If you’ve never tried chess before, try learning the game (either online or with friends at a local chess club). It’s the perfect winter activity to cozy up with a friend or family member and relax into an intricate and captivating game.
You can also try learning a new card game. Cards are super versatile, and you can play solo games or learn new ones with a larger group. It’s a great way to socialize in cold months and make time to catch up with good friends. You can also look at other board or card games that fit your group’s dynamic.
Host a Presentation Night
Hosting a presentation or lecture night is a fabulous way to learn about a variety of topics, ask questions, and learn new facts. Have a few friends over and encourage everyone to create a 5-10 minute presentation on something they’re passionate about. It may be gardening, birdwatching, new technology, a historical event, or a hobby they may have. This is a fun way for everyone to create some educational resources on something they’re passionate about, and a great way for others in the group to learn something about a topic they may not have known about. It’s especially fun when guests are creative or think outside the box on their topic! It’s a funny way to keep your mind sharp and spend time with your friends.
Winter doesn’t have to be dreary. These are some fun, creative ways you can keep your mind sharp during the coldest months. Whether you decide to learn a new game, instrument, pick up a new hobby, or host your own lecture night, you’re sure to keep your brain feeling its best. Take a look at the CapTel blog for more winter-centered helpful blog posts.
