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In an increasingly digital world where leisure, work, and relationships happen through screens, we often talk about physical inactivity. Yet there is another equally relevant but less obvious trend on the rise: “mental inactivity.”

Although it’s not an official diagnosis, this term describes a combination of situations that impair cognitive function:

Decrease in stimulating cognitive activity: For example, spending long periods of time consuming digital content without reflecting on or analyzing it.
Slowed creative thought: Difficulty coming up with new ideas or solving non‑routine problems.
Loss of interest in enriching activities: Giving up reading, hobbies, or conversations that were previously appealing.
Emotional apathy: Less motivation to get involved in personal or social projects.
Excessive time spent on passive activities: Like watching TV, browsing social media, and watching videos without a defined purpose.

So, what does the evidence tell us? Studies on sedentary behavior show that prolonged periods of inactivity are associated with a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. In teens, excessive use of devices at night is linked to an increase in depressive symptoms, especially when it is not offset by physical activity. In adults and seniors, “sedentary free time” (watching TV, spending long periods on their phones, or other passive activities) is linked to poorer mental health and greater feelings of loneliness.

Although there is no clear reason why this happens, there are several interconnected explanations. In principle, the lack of active cognitive stimuli (e.g., replacing reading or discussion with passive consumption) reduces the mental challenge necessary to maintain attention, memory, and creativity. There is also an imbalance between activities that require mental effort and others that do not.

The physiological effects of physical inactivity (poor brain circulation, poorer sleep quality, metabolic changes) are equally important, as they can worsen cognitive function and mood.

Even cutting back on social activities and meaningful projects can erode your sense of purpose and increase apathy. This can lead to:

Worse attention, memory, and processing speed.
Increased vulnerability to mood disorders.
In middle and old age, increased risk of cognitive decline if physical inactivity is also present.
Worse quality of life and ability to manage stress.

What can I do to combat mental inactivity?

Experts say that incorporating some mentally stimulating activities can help counter the progression of this phenomenon:

Read, write, or learn something new: Dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to activities that require reasoning or creativity.
Limit passive screen time: Reduce your recreational screen use to less than 2 hours a day outside of work, and avoid devices for one hour before sleep.
Alternate between work and active rest: For every 45–60 minutes of concentration, take a 5‑minute break to move around or simply look away.
Encourage meaningful social interaction: Participate in in‑person reading groups, classes, or workshops that involve dialogue and cooperation.
Get regular physical exercise: Walking, dancing, or doing moderate aerobic activity for about 150 minutes a week promotes brain function, sleep, and mood.

This article was produced by Tomás Vicente, a journalist specializing in Health.

Sources: Scientific studies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nature.