In the global world of the present, the ability to relax became a foreign ideal that is almost impossible to comprehend. However, stretching brain muscles on a day-to-day basis may prove to be a healthy endeavor.

The University of Texas at Dallas conducted a study where they examined 330 healthy participants aged between 50 and 89 under “one of the most in-depth and comprehensive studies of age-related brain function in healthy adults in the USA” (Huffington Post). The results depicted a correlation between busy bees and a healthier brain including improved memory, vocabulary, processing, and overall cognitive function.

However, the question still remains whether or not a busy life style is the only catalyst for a better noggin. Sara Festini, who led the study, reminds readers that it is unknown whether or not a 9-to-5 job directly effects brain function. Festini posits that there may be other variables. For example, if someone with pre-existing, above average cognitive functions sought out a busier week it could be more likely that they show signs of an increase in brain function due to their existing superior cognitive processes.

Furthermore, the team involved added that the previously mentioned lifestyle will indeed bolster a brain’s function as an effect of learning. This comes to us from another recent study performed by the Center for Vital Longevity. Taking the time to learn difficult tasks can improve “episodic memory” which encompasses specific events in time. Tasks such as digital photography, quilting, and other hands on activities are candy for the brain.

In summation, maintaining an active lifestyle (physically and mentally) through hands on activities improves cognitive functions in older to middle aged adults. However, it is still unknown whether or not a busy lifestyle in general can be the only factor in brain quality. Both teams of these studies support the idea of future studies to be done in these areas, as the global world we live in maintains its speedy momentum. This should warrant further analyzation of any possible connections between the chaos of present lifestyles and how our brain’s work; it could bring much needed clarity in the haze of interconnectedness.