Thriving Minds: Keep Your Mind Engaged

By Colin Butler, MS, CSCS, ACSM-GEI, EIM and CF Warrior

Here are some low-pressure ways to keep your brain active, whether you’re feeling alert or running on fumes.

Audiobooks and Podcasts

If your eyes are tired or reading feels like too much, just pop in some headphones and listen. Audiobooks and podcasts can transport you into another world or teach you something new without requiring any effort from your body. There’s something out there for every interest.

Try apps like Audible, Libby (which works with your local library), or Spotify to get started. You can even pair it with treatments or rest time.

Online Classes and TED Talks

If you’re in the mood to learn something new, online courses can be a great option. Sites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free and low-cost classes in everything from psychology to photography. Even watching a 10-minute TED Talk can leave you feeling inspired.

You don’t need to finish a whole course. Watch a video or two when you feel up for it, and come back later.

Games, Puzzles, and Brain Apps

Word games, Sudoku, logic puzzles, these are great ways to give your brain a gentle workout. Mobile apps like Lumosity or Elevate offer daily challenges, and classic puzzles like jigsaws or crosswords can help pass the time during treatments or recovery days.

Plus, they’re easy to pick up and put down whenever you need a break.

Creative Outlets

Creativity is an amazing form of mental engagement, plus, it’s often emotionally healing. You don’t need to be an artist or a writer. Doodle in a notebook, write down your thoughts, make a playlist, or even play around with digital art apps. It’s not about the end result, it’s about expressing yourself and keeping your brain gently active.

 

Light Reading or Short Articles

If a full book feels like too much, go for something bite-sized. Read a short article, scroll through a digital magazine, or explore a curated news feed on apps like Pocket or Flipboard. You can choose topics based on your interests and energy level, no pressure, no deadline.