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

  • MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.world
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    11 days ago

    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.

    • JigglySackles@lemmy.world
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      11 days ago

      Are those heartbeats someone else’s and are they now dead? Also what hobby? This peaked my interest a lot.

    • bryophile@lemmy.zip
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      11 days ago

      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. I suppose mindfulness has similar positive effects on the brain?

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

      • Widdershins@lemmy.world
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        11 days ago

        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.

    • SpacetimeMachine@lemmy.world
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      11 days ago

      Do those hobbies include spending a lot of time in nature outdoors? An activity that has also been shown greatly improves mental health?