Staying Mentally Active

Page updated: 08/12/2020

Keeping your mind active is vitally important to maintain good overall health and wellbeing. Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing. 

Despite many of us living a fast-paced life, it’s important to find time to put aside for yourself to focus on keeping your mind healthy and active. Try switching off electronic devices every now and then to have a break from the TV or social media. It's important to let your mind relax away from any worries or stresses in your life and focus on the present moment. 

There are many activities you could do to keep your mind active and help to unwind. Why not try: 

  • Learn/re-learn to play an instrument. Have a look for a local class or tutor or try an online course if you’d prefer. 
  • Do a puzzle or colour. Take out that jigsaw puzzle you have been meaning to do, play some sudoku, try a crossword or even get yourself a colouring book. 
  • Play games with your family or friends. Chess, card games, Pictionary, even Monopoly or Cluedo provide a mental challenge. 
  • Try a new / rediscover a craft. For example, knitting, painting, drawing or DIY.
  • Sign up for a course. From webinars, to short courses, to evening language or cookery classes, to an online HND, there is plenty to choose from. 
  • Learn about nature. When you’re out and about walking or jogging, you may be lucky enough to be passing hedgerows, fields and woodlands or maybe you have access to nature from your garden. Carmarthenshire has lots of great locations to learn about the common plants, butterflies and birds around us. 
  • Read or listen to a magazine or book. The Carmarthenshire library has a large resource of material, from magazines to books, all free to access to library members. 
  • Listen to music. Rediscover your favourite albums or discover new music and set aside some time each day to enjoy this in peace. 

You may also want to catch up on any e-learning resources that you are yet to complete or add to your skill set. Check out the Learning & Development pages for information on what is available. 

Having a healthy and active mind can also help when we are dealing with a difficult or challenging situation or event in our lives. Our Personal Resilience page has useful information on how we can become more resilient and use our minds to navigate through testing times. 

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