These sedentary activities are good for your brain, as per research

Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle is considered detrimental to the

brain health

while walking and other forms of exercise are known to boost cognitive health. However, not all

sedentary activities

are created equal and a few may be better for your brain than others.
A latest study sheds light on sedentary activities that can give your brain a boost as opposed to those that can risk its degeneration.
Winters can be harsh and many people may struggle to stay active during cold months. There are some days when your body demands rest and rejuvenation and it’s okay to sit back and enjoy some down time. However, it’s crucial to invest in sedentary activities that are more favourable to your brain rather than those that will be hazardous to your cognition.

Which sedentary activities should you choose for your brain?

Researchers at University of South Australia in a new study suggests sedentary activities like reading or crafting to keep brain stimulated rather than watching TV or gaming which do not promote mindfulness.
It’s that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

A study involving 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities can aid memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.
It is to be noted that 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Researchers advise picking more engaging activities to protect brain health rather than mindless screen time.

Other socially or mentally stimulating activities include reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities.
The research can make people more aware about the activities that risk their brain health which can prevent their risk of dementia.
“In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to

cognitive function

, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement,” says UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow.

“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.
“And, while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function,” Dr Mellow added.