Maura Hohman
Assistant Managing Editor

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With "grandma hobbies" on the rise as more people become aware of the harms of too much screen time, you may be in the market for a new way to spend your free hours (or minutes) that doesn't leave you feeling anxious and burnt out.

There's a plethora of options out there, as TODAY.com recently reported, that can actually have a protective effect on your brain's health, from reducing dementia risk to boosting mood and improving decision-making skills.

To choose a hobby that fits the bill, you just need to keep three things in mind.

Neurologist Tip of the Day: Choose a Hobby That Combines These 3 Attributes

When looking for activities to boost brain health, “the best strategy for maintaining good brain health is to combine physical exercise, mental challenges and social interactions,” Dr. Eva Feldman, a neurologist and director of the ALS Center of Excellence at University of Michigan Health, previously told TODAY.com.

And of course, you also want to make sure it's something that you genuinely enjoy and not try to take on too much too quickly.

Why It Matters

Hobbies that involve physical exercise "(increase) blood flow to the brain, (stimulate) the birth of new hippocampal neurons, and (strengthen) the prefrontal cortex,” Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D., professor of neural science and psychology at New York University, previously told TODAY.com. They also "(elevate) mood and reduces stress hormones, which further protects the brain over time.”

 Second, regularly challenging yourself mentally can help you maintain skills that regress without consistent use, such as memory, reasoning and cognitive flexibility.

Lastly, socialization is valuable because humans have an inherent need for community and interaction. Research shows the more connected you are, the lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

How to Get Started

Some of the hobbies that experts previously recommended to TODAY.com that combine exercise, mental stimulation and socialization include dancing and joining a walking club.

The most challenging part can be sticking with your hobby and the best advice is to start small, experts say. Consider trying 10 minutes a day at first and pairing your new hobby with an activity you already do on a regular basis, like eating breakfast. So after breakfast, you meet up with a friend for a walk.

Joining a class or club where there is a sense of accountability around attending can also help you build your new routine.