Doctor: Passive TV watching harms mental health; exercise your brain instead

Doctor Manuel Sans Segarra warns that sitting on a sofa watching television and consuming any content is one of the worst habits for mental health, as it disengages the mind. He emphasizes the importance of actively exercising the brain for a fulfilling life. In a podcast, Segarra recommends three key pillars to promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis: maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise, engaging in intellectual activities like reading or learning instruments, and fostering strong social relationships. He stresses avoiding repetitive routines. The doctor argues that constant screen distraction and autopilot living can take a toll on cognitive health. He advises that exercising the mind is as vital as caring for the body, urging people to seek new challenges and energy exchange with others to keep the brain young and active.