Since completing my education, I’ve noticed a decrease in mentally stimulating activities in my daily life. For this reason I’ve been experiencing a sense of cognitive decline, feeling like my mind isn’t being challenged or engaged as much as it used to be. I’m looking for ways to stimulate my brain back. I’m interested in exploring activities that can help, such as reading, puzzles, games, and other intellectually stimulating stuff. Could you recommend some engaging and challenging options to help me get started? Thanks a lot

  • boydster@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    15 hours ago

    There’s a near-endless supply of great mythology and legend to read and explore from all sorts of cultures dating back as far as the dawn of writing. I’ve had a lot of fun reading and comparing tales from various times and places, taking time to also note where in history the stories were being written down and what else was happening. Strong recommendation for anyone wanting a unique view on the history of societies and the stories they held (or still hold) dear.

  • Dessalines@lemmy.ml
    0·
    15 hours ago

    Doing any nature related activities away from screens, whether it be daily walks, gardening, hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, swimming, camping is really good for both mental and physical health.

    In that blue zones documentary, it’s said that daily walks and daily gardening help your mind and longevity more than any other activity.

    Learning a musical instrument is always good, and is something you can show off. Knitting, crocheting, or any kind of ravelry works your mind, and you can also listen to audiobooks while doing it. Woodworking (you can start small, even doing spoons and things).

    I wouldn’t be too focused on doing mentally challenging activities. Screens wear out our brains enough, and what we really need is time away from them to recharge.

    Outside of that I’d just recommend reading a lot of non-fiction, audiobooks where available.

    • OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.ml
      0·
      11 hours ago

      Carbon offsetting. Carbon negative projects. Photobioreactors. Biogas digesters. Do something for the planet health.

      • AndiHutch@lemmy.zipEnglish
        0·
        10 hours ago

        Good suggestions. Speaking of carbon negative and biogas digesters, have you heard of Giant miscanthus? It is both carbon fixing a great feedstock for biomass energy. It is a lot more productive per area planted than a wood would(heh) be since it is a fast growing perennial grass. It stores a lot of carbon and nutrients in it’s roots which it then reuses to regrow when warmer weather comes.

  • reallykindasorta@slrpnk.net
    0·
    15 hours ago

    Philosophy is excellent food for thought, working through a MOOC course (MIT/Yale?) and doing the prescribed readings might strike your fancy. Happy to give more specific recs if you have some existing curiosity about a topic. Side note that it’s difficult to find people to talk to online about serious philosophical topics, the options I’ve seen (discord groups, facebook groups) usually aren’t very engaging but the reading and lectures and contemplation are engaging on your own imo.

    Watch ancient history documentaries like the Fall of Civilizations or History with Cy channels on youtube (Fall of Civilizations is also/originally a podcast if you prefer). Whenever I am feeling empty of interesting thoughts this is my go to. When I watch frequently I constantly find my thoughts combining and recombining history with my current experience in a way that feels awfully close to intellectual stimulation. I also find it gives some mildly comforting perspective on current events.

    Built to purpose gadgets. Getting into arduino or similar as a hobbyist can be intellectually engaging. The process of identifying something in your space you could enhance then drafting and executing a plan (including some basic programming) is kind of like a puzzle. Building things you don’t need like an LED based checklist for chores that resets every day, a pedestal that spins to give a house plant even sunlight, or a solar powered bird house might be a fun challenge.

    Edit to add that if you live near a university professors will usually let you unofficially audit their class if you’re interested in a topic and have time during the week.

  • thesohoriots@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    15 hours ago

    I am in the same boat. Currently forcing myself to get into D&D even though I’m completely shit at math, creative writing, art, and am not fantasy genre savvy. I want to create a homebrew game for my spouse that they’ll (hopefully) enjoy. It’s been really challenging so far but also a lot of fun.

  • AbidingOhmsLaw@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    16 hours ago

    Get into Ham Radio, not just get a license and talk, get into it. make your own radio, antennas, learn the science, learn firmware programming and microcontrollers, everywhere you turn there is something new to learn and puzzle at. And you can help with community service things (only if you want to). It’s great because you can go as deep as you want (or as shallow), keep your mind engaged and have fun doing it.