CraftsDid you know that crafts like knitting and scrapbooking also benefit your brain? In a way, it’s much like meditation: when you sit down with those knitting needles, your mind focuses on that, not the stress from the day. Doing this calms you down, and all the while your brain is releasing dopamine, which acts as a natural anti-depressant.Crafting can be especially helpful for older adults. Research has shown that several leisure activities, including crafting, can reduce your chances of...

Yoga and MeditationAwesome news for yogis: centering your chi greatly reduces stress, fights off anxiety, and can lower your risk of depression. How does it work, exactly? GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a key neurotransmitter for stress relief. Hit a yoga class or do an hour of meditation, and you’ll increase GABA levels in your brain by 27%. In fact, one study reported that 60% of anxiety-prone participants showed improvement after 6-9 months of meditation. Don’t have an hour? Research has...

Sports and FitnessExercise your brain while you exercise your body! Breaking a sweat can improve your ability to multitask and boost productivity. Even just 20 minutes of exercise helps your brain process information and improves your memory functions. In another study, exercising boosted women’s performance on memory and problem-solving tests by 20%.Plus, it’s great for your career: employees who exercise regularly are 15% more efficient and 23% more productive!Fitness is also important for older adults. You may have heard about...