Relaxing with a book or binge-watching a series might feel similarly restful, but new scientific evidence suggests they have starkly different impacts on your long-term brain health. A pivotal study has identified specific everyday hobbies that could be increasing your risk of cognitive decline.
The Study: Tracking Daily Habits and Brain Health
Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted a detailed investigation, monitoring the 24-hour activities of 397 older adults. The aim was to build a clear picture of how common daily tasks influence cognitive function and factors that can lead to dementia.
The results delivered both good and bad news for popular pastimes. Activities that involve mental stimulation or social connection, such as reading, engaging in crafts, having conversations with friends, listening to music, and even prayer, were found to be beneficial for maintaining a healthy brain.
Harmful vs. Helpful: The Critical Difference in Sedentary Time
However, the study issued a warning about two widespread leisure activities: watching television and playing video games. These were associated with a negative effect on cognitive function, highlighting that not all sedentary time is equal.
Dr Maddison Mellow, who worked on the project, explained the key distinction. "We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement – such as reading or talking with friends – are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important," she said.
Dr Mellow added that while the public health message to 'move more, sit less' remains vital for heart and metabolic health, a more nuanced understanding is needed regarding sedentary behaviour and the brain.
Practical Advice for Protecting Your Brain
With nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia – including one in 11 people over 65 – the research offers actionable advice. Dr Mellow suggests prioritising enjoyable movement that raises your heart rate for the best all-round health benefits. Crucially, she emphasises that even small, five-minute swaps in your daily routine can make a difference.
"So, if you're dead set on having a Christmas movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits," she advised.
This guidance is particularly timely, as the NHS states that around four in 10 dementia cases could be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors. Separate research from the University of Oxford, analysing 40,000 brain scans, has also pointed to tiredness, alcohol consumption, and air pollution as contributors to the degeneration of brain networks linked to dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
The collective message from scientists is clear: protecting your brain health is an active process, and the choices you make during your downtime today could significantly influence your cognitive well-being in the years to come.
