Study Suggests Becoming An Expert Bird Watcher May Protect Brain Health

Research found that participants who were expert bird watchers showed “differences in both brain structure and brain activity.”

Study Suggests Becoming An Expert In This Beloved Hobby May Actually Protect Your Brain

Research found that participants who were experts in this pastime showed "differences in both brain structure and brain activity."

HuffPost
Is it becoming an expert in any hobby or just that one? Because I have a couple hobbies I’m an expert in, one I am two heartbeats away from being the world authority in, and I don’t think it’s helped my brain.

I don’t know, but when I started recognizing birds by sound I noticed it was working as a constant mindfulness exercise whenever I went outside. You’re training to be aware of your surroundings. I suppose mindfulness has similar positive effects on the brain?

Then I’d say any hobby that encourages mindfulness has a positive effect on your brain?

I was folding laundry inside once and heard a Nerf Turbo Screamer football being thrown outside. It was a red tailed hawk in a tree a few doors down.