Watching TV Helps Train Your Brain?

Despite all the arguments over whether or not it is possible to train your brain and actually improve your cognitive abilities, most experts agree that mental stimulation is an effective way to maintain a healthy brain. In other words, use it or lose it.

So can watching the tube help enhance your memory, ability to pay attention, or any other cognitive skills? It really depends on the sort of programs you are watching and how actively engaged you are.

Good TV, Bad TV

If a program requires you to think and form speculations and ideas, your brain is being challenged and exercised. Unfortunately most TV shows demand mere passive viewing, which may present a challenge for toddlers, but little, if any, benefit for adults.

Playing video games, on the other hand, is generally more challenging and highly interactive, helping you to boost your reaction speed and divided attention. At the end of the day, however, the best mental workouts are those games designed for and focused on the task at hand, that is, brain training.

Steve Daitch is the Social Media Manager at Mind360.com - a leading scientific brain training games developer for boosting your memory, attention, executive functions, reasoning, and other key cognitive skills. As a Mind360 visitor you simply select your own Personal Training Program, which comes complete with a personal coach and constant feedback to ensure your swift and visible progress.