Take a walk and notice your surroundings
Walking is great for your body, but it’s also surprisingly good for your brain - especially if you stay present and pay attention to what’s around you. Try noticing five things you can see, hear or smell. This kind of mindful walking helps reduce stress and improves focus and memory.
Have a chat!
A good catch up with a friend, work colleague or neighbour can do wonders for your brain. Conversations help keep your thinking flexible, improve memory and boost your mood. They also help you practise listening and empathy, which are both great for mental agility. Why talking to yourself is a good thing!
Do something differently
Changing up your routine, even in small ways, can stimulate your brain. Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, taking a different route to the shops, or cooking a new recipe. These small changes can help build new neural connections.
Read for enjoyment
Reading is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to keep your brain active. It doesn’t have to be educational - fiction, magazines, or even short articles all count. Reading improves concentration, vocabulary and imagination, and gives your brain a break from screens.
Play with words or numbers
Crosswords, Sudoku and word searches can help keep your brain on the ball. These activities improve problem-solving skills and memory. If you prefer digital options, there’s a wide range of apps available.
Listen to music or learn a song
Music stimulates multiple areas of the brain. Listening to music you love can lift your mood and improve focus. Learning the lyrics to a song or trying to follow along with a melody can also challenge your memory and attention in a fun way.
Write something by hand
Jotting down a diary entry, a shopping list or even a letter to a friend by hand can help improve memory and coordination. Writing by hand engages different parts of the brain than typing and can help you process thoughts more clearly.
Try a simple creative activity
Drawing, doodling, colouring or crafting can all help your brain relax and recharge. Creative activities encourage problem-solving, imagination and focus - even if you don’t consider yourself to be ‘artistic’.
Practise mindfulness or deep breathing
Taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help calm the mind and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve attention and support emotional regulation. There are lots of apps that offer guided sessions and are easy to follow.
Learn something new in small doses
You don’t need to commit to a full course - just watching a short documentary, reading an article on a new topic, or listening to an educational podcast can give your brain a healthy stretch. Apps like TED are great for bite-sized learning.
Make it part of your day
The key is to find what you enjoy and do it often. Whether it’s chatting with a friend, reading a few pages of a book, or trying something new in the kitchen, these small moments of mental activity add up over time.
