We cannot separate the mind from the body and so we must begin to view and understand ourselves as a whole mind-body being. Therefore, whether we over-use, neglect or nurture one part of our mind-body network of systems – as everything is connected, the impact is global.
When we are habitually locked into negative stress cycles, we are less inclined to step outside our comfort zone – with the over-production of cortisol (staying too long and too regularly in a stressed state, the body strives to “keep us going”), less of the rewarding neurotransmitter dopamine is produced and as a result, we experience less enthusiasm, less sense of capacity and drive in mind and body.
The human brain had a vast memory storage. It made us curious and very creative. Those were the characteristics that gave us an advantage – curiosity, creativity and memory. And that brain did something very special. It invented an idea called ‘the future’.
David Suzuki
The good news
We can create new neural pathways until the day we die and diversify the way we interact with and understand our environment, develop new skills and optimise our performance at work. We can shift our attitude to one of possibility and opportunity. Below are three tips for optimising brain function and increasing brain health.
1/ Develop Awareness
Once we start to notice and connect the dots around our individual we are able to make sense of our responses and strategise how best to address and transform whatever is holding us back. Most importantly, begin to observe how you feel and respond in breath, mind and body in different environments. For example, if you notice that your breath is constricted, laboured or held – you could intervene with slow nasal breathing filling the belly, expanding spherically at the ribs and then letting go with the outgoing breath.
2/ Embrace Challenge
In small ways every day, you can choose to access lesser explored areas of your brainscape. For example, choosing something unfamiliar to read, trying out a puzzle, introducing new concepts and material, trying out a climbing wall or a movement class. Exercise for the brain involves engaging the brain in learning new habits and skills.
Choose to challenge yourself regularly and reroute out of familiar yet detrimental patterns.
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
Anne Lamott
3/ Recharge
We’re more productive and creative if we allow time to recharge, down tools and shift state. Switching off the “focus brain” for a while allows for memories to surface and creative capacities to come through.
Napping is a simple intervention to experiment with according to what you feel best serves you, try 15-30 minutes to restore and recharge. The brain has time to shuffle ideas and make associations.
We always encourage movement, out of sedentary posture. Standing now and again is a good start if you find it tough to incorporate ‘proper breaks’ and a ten minute ‘free walk’ will enhance mood and allow ‘unfocus’ to support later resumed focus.