There have been many studies linking cognitive health with physical activities, and it appears that a juggling act could be brilliant for your brain.
Physical activities that require coordination, concentration, and dedication to learn have been proven to improve the health of the brain. The activation of new neural pathways and the focus demanded is a great exercise.
A study has found that the circus act of juggling is wonderful for brain health. According to Dr. Amy J. Bastian, a neuroscientist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, “Juggling changes how quickly you react to objects, how well you coordinate between two hands, and how you keep your posture under control. It also improves hand-eye coordination.”
In fact, a study in 2024 found that the results of the circus act of juggling are more than just good for the brain. “The results of this study indicate that the implementation of juggling activity in everyday life may have positive effects on cognitive abilities and postural stability in healthy, physically active older adults.”
Juggle Your Way To A Healthy Brain
The act of juggling, although impressive to look at, isn’t actually all that hard to learn. Once the technique is down, it’s easier to get the basics of it than you may think. It’ll take some patience, of course, and you’ll not be throwing chainsaws around anytime soon, but it’s worth a go.
The studies have shown that the concentration and hand-eye coordination have significant benefits to brain health. But it has also shown that, once juggling is stopped, the brain benefits quickly drop off. So, it’s a good idea to keep juggling, at least for a little while a day.
It wouldn’t be a hard hobby to maintain, though. Every time you find yourself with two or more vaguely throwable things, give them a quick juggle. Everyone is going to be impressed as you toss three lettuces in the air during your next supermarket shop.