Storms and monsoons can often mean that even the best-laid plans are a complete washout, but that doesn’t mean that the day has to be boring. Far from it! Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to give your brain some love and attention. Keeping your brain in good condition is a great way to promote well-being, memory, concentration, and focus, so the next time you find yourself stuck indoors, use it as a chance to try some of these brain-boosting activities.
Exercise
Keeping fit has a number of health benefits for the body, but it also helps to keep the brain healthy, too. Not only does it release those feel-good hormones known as endorphins, but it also pumps oxygen around the brain and keeps it in great working order. If it’s raining outside, you might not need your running shoes, but there are plenty of other ways you can stay fit inside, such as by using treadmills, resistance bands, weights, or even bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups. Yoga is a great way to build strength and calm the mind, while workout videos online mean you can try a new class or fitness style that you’ve been thinking about.
Catch Up on Reading
It’s not often that an opportunity to stay in and read a book all day presents itself, so if the rain has scuppered your plans, find that book you’ve been trying to finish and spend the day immersing yourself in it. Studies have shown that reading is one of the best exercises you can do for your brain as it drastically improves memory and mental flexibility and also prevents cognitive decline. Not only does reading provide mental stimulation, but it also reduces stress, increases knowledge, enhances analytical skills, and expands your vocabulary. What’s not to love?! The added bonus of listening to the rain against the window makes reading a super relaxing way to unwind and slow down.
Have a Games Night
Another great way of challenging the brain while having fun at the same time is by playing games, and what better way to enjoy them than by planning a super fun games night? Games nights are all about choosing the right games, and there are so many types to choose from such as board games, card games like poker or blackjack, or online games. It's important to make some delicious recipes such as chicken wings, halloumi fries, or chips and dip to keep everyone going while they play. After all, you’re not going to want a three-course meal while you play your poker hand! Stick to easy-to-eat finger foods to keep your brain energized while you play.
Declutter
Studies show that being surrounded by clutter can have a negative impact on our brains. Clutter makes us feel bad for a number of reasons; it can be an indicator of bad spending habits, past memories, guilt or obligation, or fear of the future. When we are surrounded by clutter it can make us feel cluttered inside our brains, too, and this leads to increased cortisol (stress hormone), feelings of shame, inability to focus, and negative habits. Identify an area in the house that causes these feelings to surface and declutter it. Donate, sell, or give away anything you do not actually use and feel the positive impact it has on your brain!
Cook Something New
Trying out new activities and experiences helps to create new neurological pathways in the brain so, if there is a meal or cuisine that you’ve always wanted to try, now is a great time to experiment while working your brain out at the same time. Crack open the recipe books and find a meal that you’ve not made before or look up some brain-boosting foods and recipes that will help improve memory, concentration, and focus.
Staying indoors doesn’t have to mean that your brain suffers from a lack of stimulation! There are plenty of ways that you can keep your brain healthy while you’re cooped up in the house.