We can definitely all agree that travelling is an exhilarating experience, filled with new sights, sounds, and adventures. It doesn’t matter if this is solo or not; it’s just something incredible! However, it’s easy to let your general health slide amidst the excitement. Usually, it’s oral hygiene or physical health (due to lack of sleep and poor diet), but surprise, surprise, it’s cognitive health too! Yes, you read that right!
Overall, maintaining mental sharpness while exploring the world isn’t just about keeping your wits for navigating new places but also about ensuring your brain stays as nimble as your itinerary. So, what can you do to make sure your cognitive health stays sharp? Well, here’s what you need to know!
Play Video Games
Who said video games are just for kids? When you’re stuck on a long train ride or a never-ending flight, whipping out a handheld console or your phone can be a brilliant way to keep your brain engaged. Seriously, why scroll through social media for hours on end? That’s going to get really boring, really fast, and the same can also be said about small talk with people, too. Most video games are mentally stimulating, so make sure it’s just not something too easy (like a game for kids).
So, for example, you might want to opt for games that are mentally stimulating – puzzles, card games like Solitaire, strategy games, or even complex simulations. It sounds vague enough, but most consoles (like The Switch or even older ones), as well as mobile games for your phone, tend to offer these, and they’re fairly inexpensive, too.
Besides, these games can enhance problem-solving skills, improve memory, and provide a pleasant distraction from the tediousness of travel (travelling can get really boring really fast, no matter what people say). Plus, they can be a fun way to bond with fellow travellers or locals, turning a solo journey into a shared experience.
Keep Picking Up Languages
If you think about it, travelling is the perfect opportunity to become a polyglot in the making. As you might have already known, learning new languages not only enhances your travel experience but also gives your brain a hefty workout. So, you might want to try picking up phrases in the language of your destination before you arrive.
Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can be incredibly handy for this (Duolingo is free, but Babbel does costs money). Once you’re there, immerse yourself in the language – order food in the local tongue, chat with locals, and read street signs. This active use of a new language boosts cognitive flexibility, enhances memory, and can make your travels more enriching and immersive.
Watch TV Shows and Listen to Music in Other Languages
So, here’s a scenario to think about for just a moment: imagine lying on a beach in Spain while listening to flamenco music or binge-watching a popular Spanish series (Netflix has plenty of shows). Well, consuming media in other languages is a fantastic way to tune your ear to the nuances of a new language and culture.
Honestly, you could even just be in your hotel room, turn on the TV, and just see what’s local; that alone can be pretty entertaining while still teasing your brain to think and try to translate what’s being said!
Keep Eating Healthy, Especially Fish
It’s tempting to indulge in all the local delicacies when travelling – and you absolutely should! But try to balance it out with some healthy choices to keep your brain in top form. Yes, everyone loves chowing down at the hotel buffet, but make sure it’s mostly healthy. For example fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is particularly beneficial for cognitive health. These healthy fats improve brain function, memory, and even mood.
Dependng on where you are, it might be easier to eat fish (at an affordable price). For example, many cultures around the world have delicious fish dishes, from sushi in Japan to grilled sardines in Portugal. Plus, since they’re a staple, they’re super affordable.
Make Sure to Get Enough Sleep
For the most part, travel often means less sleep – early flights, late-night adventures, and changing time zones can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. You know it’s bad for you to not get enough sleep, so keep that in mind. Overall, just try to maintain a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. If you’re travelling through different time zones, consider short naps and stay hydrated to help your body adjust.
Stay Physically Active
Physical exercise is not just good for your body; it’s fantastic for your brain, too. For the most part, travelling provides ample opportunities to stay active. Unless you’re going to be lounging all day, every day, at a beach, the chances are really high that you’re going to stay active.
Stay Social
If you’re solo travelling, it can be hard to stay social, in person that is. But if you’re travelling with others, then this will be easy. But overall, humans are social creatures, and interacting with others is key to maintaining cognitive health. Besides, think of it this way; travelling is a fantastic way to meet new people and form connections.
For example, this could be through chatting with fellow travellers in a hostel (easier than a hotel but keep in mind hostels have age limits), joining a group tour (the easiest way to be chatty), or striking up a conversation with a local, these interactions can boost your brainpower.
Read Books and Articles
So video games were mentioned earlier, but not everyone is into video games, plus, books are still one of the best escapism around. Bringing along a good book or diving into articles about your destination can be both relaxing and mentally stimulating. Plus, reading keeps your brain engaged, improves focus, and can be a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Explore Cultural and Historical Sites
Why not immerse yourself in the history and culture of your travel destination? Actually, this is something you 100% SHOULD be doing anyway! Ideally, this could be visiting museums, historical landmarks, and cultural centres that can provide a deep mental workout.