We often imagine that we have to train our brain like a muscle to preserve our memory. Yet the scientific data tells a slightly different story. Brain exercises, such as sudoku or logic games, have never been shown on their own to prevent cognitive decline.
On the other hand, numerous studies show that people who regularly engage in stimulating leisure activities see their cognitive functions decline less quickly than those who have little of it. The key? Choose activities that work the brain… without feeling like you’re doing an exercise.
Here are six summer pleasures that take care of your memory almost effortlessly, according to the B2V Memory Observatory.
Devour a good novel
The beach book is not just a vacation companion. Reading requires many brain capacities: attention, concentration, imagination, but also memory, since you have to remember the characters, the places or even the thread of the plot.
Reading also draws on autobiographical memory. By identifying with the characters or certain situations, the reader reactivates their own memories and emotions, a beneficial mechanism for the brain.
Walk in the heart of nature
A walk in the forest, in a park or by the sea is excellent for morale… but also for memory. Research shows that immersion in a natural environment improves attention and working memory, while reducing stress.
Even a short walk can have positive effects. Nature also acts indirectly by promoting physical activity, exchanges with others and psychological well-being, three factors associated with better cognitive health.
Gardening, even on a balcony
No need to have a big garden. Taking care of a few plants, watering, pruning or repotting requires many skills: observation, organization, coordination of actions and stimulation of the senses.
Gardening is one of the hobbies regularly associated with better maintenance of cognitive functions over the years.
Create with your hands
Painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, pottery, creative cooking… All these artistic activities work several areas of the brain at the same time.
They require concentration, planning, precision in gestures and imagination. Another advantage: they help reduce stress, an important element for the proper functioning of memory.
Tinker
Assembling a piece of furniture, repairing an object or making a shelf is not only rewarding. DIY requires various cognitive functions: you have to anticipate the steps, solve problems, memorize the different actions to carry out and coordinate your movements.
So many exercises that naturally stimulate the brain.
Remembering good memories with family
Vacations are often synonymous with reunions. It’s also the time when we take out photo albums and when childhood anecdotes resurface.
These exchanges maintain autobiographical memory and help build a common family memory. Photographs also play a precious role: they serve as triggers of memories, awaken emotions and encourage discussions between generations.
Memory prefers pleasure to constraint
The main lesson from this work is simple: our memory seems to benefit more from varied, pleasant and meaningful activities than from imposed exercises.
Reading, walking, creating, gardening, crafting or sharing memories with loved ones naturally stimulate the brain while providing pleasure. Vacations therefore offer an excellent opportunity to take care of your cognitive functions… without even feeling like you’re training them.