Brain health summer series: three activities to help you challenge your brain 

The summer months often bring about a break from routine, giving you the space to slow down, reconnect with old hobbies or try out new ones and generally be a bit more mindful. 

For week three of our six-week series, we’re focusing on challenging your brain and how it can help support your brain health. 

 

Why is it good to learn something new this summer? 

Regularly challenging your brain can help build cognitive reserve. Studies have shown people with high cognitive reserve typically experience Alzheimer’s symptoms around five years later than those who don’t.

This is why hobbies such as crafting or reading aren’t just simply enjoyable pastimes. Whether you’re trying out a new style of art, reconnecting with your old childhood hobbies, or giving a challenging novel a go, your brain will thank you for learning something new.

Crafting and reading are also great mindful activities to help you relax, boost your mood, and can support mental wellbeing.

How about setting yourself a challenge to get creative? 

 

3 Ideas to try 

1. Learn a new craft

Knitting, sewing, and other crafts are great ways to slow down and focus your mind. Even simple projects can give a sense of achievement and create space to unwind. 

For children, crafting is a chance to explore, play, and use their imagination – whether that’s making something colourful, trying a new technique, or just enjoying the process without worrying about the end result. 

If you’re just getting started, you don’t need much – basic supplies and a bit of curiosity are enough. You could try simple knitting patterns, beginner sewing kits, or easy crafts like friendship bracelets. 

For adults, learning a new craft can also be a mindful way to switch off from busy routines. Activities like knitting, crocheting, or embroidery encourage focus and repetition, which can feel calming and grounding. Taking time to create something with your hands can boost mood, reduce stress, and give a sense of accomplishment.

 

 2. Creatively capture your summer

An amazing sunset, breathing in sea air, or simply a trip away from your day-to-day – all incredible summer moments that you don’t want to end. So, why not pick up a paintbrush and getting your creativity flowing to capture that perfect summer moment in your own way? Painting, sketching, or collaging are simple ways to unwind and express yourself, whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole afternoon. 

If you’re out and about, you can even take creativity on the go using a phone or tablet. Apps like Sketchbook or Tayasui Sketches make it easy to draw wherever you are – whether that’s in the park, on holiday, or in your garden.

You can also get creative with journaling, vision boards, or even sketching your own version of a place that helps you feel calm and happy. Taking time to reflect in a creative way can help boost mood and build a sense of wellbeing. 

 

3. Start a reading challenge

Setting yourself or your children a reading challenge is another enjoyable way to keep your brain active. Perhaps you could aim to read a book in a week, try out a genre you don’t usually read or simply go into your local library or charity shop and see what jumps out at you without reading the blurb.  

A book club is also another great way to get into reading this summer. It brings the social element of meeting new people and hearing new perspectives, but also helps keep you accountable. 

Libraries are a fantastic resource for getting children excited about reading. Many run free summer reading challenges that encourage kids to set goals, track their progress, and earn rewards along the way, helping to build confidence and motivation. Regular visits to the library also give children the chance to explore a wide range of books – from picture books to early chapter stories and non-fiction – so they can discover what they enjoy most. Storytime sessions, craft activities, and themed events can make reading feel fun and social, while giving parents easy, low-cost ways to keep children engaged and learning throughout the holidays. 

 

 

If you’ve found this helpful, why not share it with your family and friends or tag us on social media – we’d love to see what you try. 

Challenging your brain this summer is just one way you can look after your brain health and start to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. 

All this brain challenging can work up an appetite! Check out last week’s post for some quick and easy summer recipes. Brain health summer series: nourish your brain with three delicious recipes – Alzheimer’s Research UK

Next week, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping connected and how you can do it this summer. 

If you would like to discover other ways to look after your brain health, then why not take the Think Brain Health Check-in today? Think Brain Health – Think Brain Health – Alzheimer’s Research UK