Working too hard? Give your brain a break. A study from the University of Melbourne found that spending more than 25 hours a week on the job may diminish your brainpower — from problem-solving to decision-making to creativity — but working 25 hours or less might improve it.
To learn more, check out this article on Staying Sharp: Find Time for Play to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Improve Your Memory.
Too much work can tax your brain and sap your thinking skills, the study of 6,000 Australians age 40 and older found. People who spend too many hours on the clock may even see a decrease in their vocabulary and an increase in depression, fatigue and confusion, other studies have shown. But there’s an upside: For those seeking flexible career options, working shorter hours may be good for your brain. As people age, they “could maintain their cognitive ability by working in a part-time job,” the study authors say.
Bottom line: Reassessing your work life could be good for your brain.
Learn more about how you can boost your thinking skills by reading more about how All Work and No Play May Be Bad for Your Brain.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.