Binge Watching and Your Brain
Are you spending part of your evenings binge-watching all the awesome shows on Netflix or Hulu?? Binge-watching your favorite shows can be fun, but what is it really doing to your brain?
Dr. Randall Wright, a neurologist at Houston Methodist in Texas explains the dangers. “It’s important to recognize that the brain is not an isolated organ; it responds to its environment. When we binge-watch, we create an unhealthy environment for the brain because we’re sitting for long periods of time, isolating ourselves from social activities and eating large amounts of unhealthy food.”
So, how can YOU tell if you have a problem?
If you’re watching so much that you’re seeing a third, fourth, or fifth episode in lieu of a healthy activity.
Here are some tips to help you wean yourself off of the habit:
1. Make sleep your first priority. If you’re ready for another show to watch and it interferes with your bedtime, don’t do it.
2. Exercise. Take a walk before you watch and/or stand or exercise for at least five minutes while you watch.
3. Watch with friends. Make is a social occasion so you’re not isolated.
4. And finally, select some healthy choices for snacking while you watch.
