Aru urges people to find hobbies that challenge the brain

Brain scientist Jaan Aru has urged people to find a hobby that makes them work a little harder, saying this helps train their thinking. ERR reported that Aru made the remarks at a presidential reception in a rose garden.

“I see so many wonderful people, especially teachers but also others, who are working to ensure that alongside artificial intelligence, we increasingly train our own brains and thinking muscles. But people need support with this,” Aru said.

He said the brain’s basic processes remain the same as they were 35 years ago, even though the surrounding environment has changed.

“The brain wants to do something exciting and is curious, but the environment is completely different,” Aru said. In 1991, a young person who wanted to do something exciting had to make or create it themselves. Today, they can simply pick up a phone.

“It may be easier for the top performers today, but it is harder for the average young person, because the environment is constantly trying to push, nudge and restrain us,” he said.

Aru said people could train their brains in different ways, including by writing rap rhymes that are somewhat more complex.

“Everyone could try to find a hobby that requires a little effort. Instead of saying, ‘I can’t be bothered,’ when faced with that effort, you should push through it. Say: ‘I am Estonian, I will do more, I will try again,’” said Aru, who also performs occasionally as rapper Mc Skilla.

He said people must choose what to focus on because no one can do everything well, adding that everyone should remain true to themselves, as the president had said in a speech that day.

Although Aru has given up a career as a rapper, he said he still needs that part of his life and sometimes takes to the stage.

“Performing on stage as rapper Mc Skilla is quite an exciting way to resolve a midlife crisis,” Aru said with a smile.