By Celia Goodyear
Summer is a fun time of the year. Students are happy for a break from school. It allows more time for families to hang out and do new things. The weather is nice. But it can also be a time when the minds of children and adults are not engaged or learning. That can make it hard once school starts again in the fall. To help prevent dust from settling on the brain this summer, here are a few things everyone can do to stay sharp.
Reading
During the school year, it can be difficult for students and parents to find time to read. Thankfully, once summer comes, more free time to pick up a book and read is available. In addition to being relaxing and enjoyable, reading can help improve vocabulary, enhance memory and increase empathy and emotional intelligence.
Another good activity to spark the joy of reading is joining a summer book club. Not only does it remove the sometimes-difficult task of picking a book, but it also gets readers out of the house and interacting with other bibliophiles.
Take a Technology Vacation
According to a recent study, the average person spends about 90 minutes a day on their phone. That amounts to 23 days a year. Summer is a great time to help lower that number.
The technology breaks do not have to be long to be effective. They can be a few hours at a time or days. Looking for more of a challenge? Swing for the fences and try to not use the phone or other devices for a week or two at a time. Those interested in a less intense option can ban devices from their bedroom or for a certain time of day. Every little bit helps.
Exercise the Body and Mind
Exercise can not only improve physical fitness but also brain power. This exercise does not have to be complicated or boring. Parents can play a game of tag with their kids, or they might all go for a hike or a walk. All that physical exercise strengthens the body and also strengthens the relationship between nerve cells, decreasing harmful effects caused by stress.
One of the best things for brain exercise is brain games. They are designed to keep the brain sharp and improve problem solving skills, discover patterns and prevent cognitive decline.
Learn a New Language
Learning a new language can not only be fun and rewarding, but it can also boost brain function. It helps improve cognitive ability, enhance problem-solving skills and prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
There are many different online resources, allowing people to learn a new language from home – Duolingo, Rosetta Stone and Babbel are a few popular options.
Volunteer in the Community
Every community needs people to help out in different ways. Some people may not have time during the school year. Summer can be the perfect time to get started. It is also a great activity for parents and their kids to do together.
They can help out at a homeless shelter, make meals at a soup kitchen or help elderly people with yard work or shopping. The possibilities are endless.
