A 90-minute habit that can boost your brain and mental health!

Michael Mosley, renowned for his health and wellness expertise, shared an interesting revelation on his BBC Sounds podcast, "Just One Thing." In the episode "Play an Instrument," Mosley discusses with Dr. Sofia Seinfeld from the Open University in Catalonia how learning to play the piano or ukulele can significantly boost brain function and mental health.

Dr. Seinfeld's research involving participants aged 60 to 85 found that those who took piano lessons showed remarkable improvements in executive functions, attention, and inhibitory control. These are crucial skills for daily tasks like planning and cooking. Additionally, musical training enhanced participants' mood and emotional state, providing a holistic benefit.

 "But, musical training produced significantly higher improvements in executive functions, divided attention and inhibitory control. These are skills that we normally require in our everyday life, for example, to plan our day or when we are cooking and we have to follow a recipe."

Mosley also highlighted studies showing that playing an instrument, even for beginners, can improve mental health. Participants who engaged in 90 minutes of drumming per week experienced notable mental health benefits.

Enjoy listening!