1. Try active meditation
Despite its growing popularity, meditation on its own can still sound just a bit more enjoyable than a trip to the dentist. But, for a fun spin try active meditation. Active meditation is just what it sounds like, as physically embodied meditation that pairs an action with mindfulness. I find the exercise works well for people who want to engage in meditation but have trouble sitting still (which itself may not be very fun). One simple but fun example of active meditation is doodling in an adult coloring book or coloring or drawing a mandala for some therapeutic relaxation. Another example is a walking meditation — you might even walk a labyrinth.
2. Take up a musical instrument
A growing body of research has concluded that musical training is good for the brain, regardless of how old you are. For example, new research at Harvard has found that children and adults who take music lessons show improvements in cognitive and executive brain functioning, related to things like memory, creativity, setting goals, and making decisions. Still other findings have confirmed that music lessons increase connections between key regions of the brain and in turn improve mental agility, planning and decision making skills. The takeaway? Maybe it’s time to dust off that piano or sign up for guitar lessons. Not so sure about the fun part? The same study found that playing a musical instrument lit up the brain’s pleasure and reward circuits.
3. Running
The latest research has shown that running promises similar benefits to your brain and mental health. Like learning a musical instrument, running improves planning and decision making skills. And if you doubt how running could be fun, these “7 Ways to Make Running More Fun” from fitness experts really may convince you. One fun, creative example? Throwing a Frisbee, then trying to run as fast as you can to catch it before it hits the ground.
Got a fun healthy habit to share with the rest of us? Send it along!
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