Neurologists love these 5 hobbies—here’s why they may benefit any physician
Industry Buzz
Everyone plays an instrument for some reason. My department has several concert-grade pianists.
—@ChiralSquare via Reddit
What do neurologists like to do off the clock? The answer is surprisingly on-brand: More brain work, but disguised as hobbies—things like board games, playing a musical instrument, and even health tracking. And many of these hobbies map almost perfectly onto what we know about neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and burnout mitigation.
Here’s a breakdown of the hobbies neurologists (and neuros-in-training) said they gravitate toward via a recent Reddit thread, and why the science suggests they’re exactly the right choices.
1. Board games
Multiple neurologists in the thread simply answered: “board games.” No elaboration needed.
That instinct tracks with the literature. Board games and puzzles engage higher-order thinking, including planning, memory, and attention, and have been associated with improved cognitive function and even protection against decline. []
They also hit something many physicians struggle to get outside of the clinic: structured social interaction. Research suggests that combining cognitive challenges with social engagement may be particularly beneficial for long-term brain health and emotional well-being. []
2. Music
One comment from Reddit user and neurologist @ChiralSquare stood out: “Playing music. Everyone plays an instrument for some reason. My department has several concert-grade pianists. I can’t even begin to explain why.”
Playing music recruits widespread neural networks—motor, auditory, emotional, and executive systems—simultaneously. Over time, this kind of activity is associated with increased brain volume in multiple regions and improved memory. []
There’s also evidence that musical training builds cognitive reserve, allowing the brain to perform tasks more efficiently even with aging. []
And on a more practical level for physicians: Listening to or playing music has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance mental alertness, essentially functioning as a low-risk, self-directed intervention for burnout. []
For a specialty built on understanding neural networks, music may be the closest thing to a full-brain workout.
3. Running (and other sports)
Another observation from Reddit user and neurologist @RocketSurg: “I know of a few neurosurgery chairs that are into running, even marathons. Then there’s the whole softball thing. I’m not into either so not exactly sure how I matched.”
That tracks with decades of neuroscience research. Regular aerobic exercise is associated with neurogenesis, increased synaptic plasticity, and better executive function. [] Even a single bout of exercise can improve cognition. []
Related: Why physicians love running marathons4. Movies
“Movies” showed up repeatedly in the thread—no surprises there. Movie watching isn't entirely passive—narrative comprehension engages complex cognitive processes (ie, memory integration, emotional processing, etc.) [] It’s also one of the more accessible ways to downshift cognitive intensity without disengaging entirely.
And that matters. Chronic cognitive overload without recovery is a known contributor to physician burnout. []Activities that are mentally engaging but not effortful may help restore attentional capacity—a concept increasingly discussed in cognitive neuroscience and occupational health.
5. Health tracking
One Reddit response: “health tracking.” While not a traditional hobby, self-quantification taps into pattern recognition, longitudinal thinking, and feedback loops. It also aligns with broader evidence that engaging in varied, goal-oriented activities supports cognitive performance across domains, including memory and processing speed. []
There’s a potential caveat (over-tracking can become its own stressor), but in moderation, it reflects a physician's natural inclination to turn data into insight.
The bigger picture: why these hobbies cluster
Step back, and a pattern emerges. The hobbies neurologists gravitate toward tend to check at least one of three boxes:
Cognitive challenge
Physical engagement
Emotional or social regulation
Research consistently shows that diverse, stimulating activities are associated with better cognitive outcomes over time. []
Consciously or not, physicians who specialize in brain health are building lifestyles that reinforce the same principles they counsel patients on: stay active, stay engaged, and vary the inputs.
The best hobbies for your brain—and your burnout risk—tend to:
Engage multiple neural systems
Involve some degree of novelty or skill-building
Include social or emotional payoff