Doing This In Your Free Time Can Increase Dementia Risk: 5 Better Alternatives

Are you a die-hard Bravoholic? On your 12th rewatch of The Office in its entirety? Ever been confronted with your TV streamer's judgmental "Are you still watching?" notice? It's no secret that we're living in the golden age of television, and it's easier to get hooked on the best of old and new than ever.

For a study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers set out to explore the relationship between sedentary activities and dementia. Namely, they looked at both TV watching and computer use and their correlation to the onset of all-cause dementia.

The bad news? Increased TV watching was related to increased rates of dementia. But interestingly enough, increased computer use was actually observed to decrease dementia rates. This relationship was observed regardless of physical activity level.

It's important to note that this research was done on UK biobank participants, with the authors pointing out the group studied lacked diversity in terms of race and ethnicity. They also note that the study relied on self-reported behaviors, which can always lead to imperfect data.

If watching TV is something you enjoy, there is no need to give it up cold turkey. But when it comes to TV time, this study suggests that moderation is key for healthy aging. Opt for a handful of shows you really enjoy, and consider swapping out hours of mindless watching for something more mentally stimulating. Here are a few habits to help you maximize leisure time in support of brain health:

Go on a walk and put on a podcast or audiobook The kids are calling them "hot girl walks," but this healthy leisure habit certainly does not discriminate along gender lines. Exercise is undeniably great for your health, and it helps protect the brain against cognitive decline. Educational podcasts can also get your mental wheels turning as you move. (Pssstt...if you need a good rec, the mindbodygreen podcast is full of health nuggets.)

Pick up a page-turner: A long-standing leisure pastime, reading is a wonderful way to get lost in a story, learn new things, and flex your imagination. Plus, it's got tons of proven health benefits, including improving our memory and brain health as we age.

Eat to protect your brain: In addition to spending your leisure time wisely, consider arming your brain with protective foods and supplements. Ingredients like kanna, resveratrol, and citicoline all have impressive neuroprotective properties.

Meditate: If you haven't picked up a meditation practice yet, this might be your sign. Even a short daily practice can work wonders for your brain and overall mental health. Here are 10 easy steps to get started.