I’m a neuroscientist by trade. Popular culture would most likely label me ‘logical, detail-oriented and analytical’ (which I am!) BUT when I was in high school, I considered applying to art school and pursuing a career as a painter. And I dabble in botanical watercolour and love designing in Canva. You could also label me… Continue Reading
’ I’ve been writing this brain health blog since 2013, and it has changed my life and my career in extraordinary ways. My original purpose for this blog has been to provide impeccably-researched evidence-based stories that are told in a simple, fun and compelling way. And it has certainly taken me on an extraordinary journey.… Continue Reading
This is part 6 of a series of lessons in brain health from our elders — those folk who lived the longest and healthiest. Click here to download the entire series as a PDF We’re all dealt our unique genetic deck of cards at conception. What matters is how we choose to play our hand.… Continue Reading
What does neuroscience have to do with coaching and therapy? Short answer: EVERYTHING! If you’re a coach or therapist, your job is to facilitate change in your client’s thinking (beliefs and attitudes) emotions (more mindfulness and resilience) behaviour (new healthy habits). Coaching builds the mental skills needed to support lasting change. Skills such as: mindfulness… Continue Reading
Is waiting until the last minute an innocuous habit? Or does failure to act on your intentions have more serious health consequences? Here I take a look at procrastination and provide five evidence-based tips to help you stop putting things off until tomorrow. We’ve all been there. The deadline is looming and you know it’s finally… Continue Reading
Here I take a look at some of the evidence linking education and occupation with better cognitive function in older age. Rich lifetime experiences like higher education or engaging in mentally challenging occupations have a major influence on how you age cognitively. This is because mentally stimulating activities help build cognitive reserve. Cognitive… Continue Reading
White water kayakers and musicians experience it. So do video-gamers, rock climbers, and experienced meditators. If you’ve ever lost complete track of time or your sense of self when you’re engrossed in a satisfying task, chances are you’ve experienced it too. The optimal state of consciousness in which you perform and feel your best… Continue Reading
Imagine this: thinking about exercise strengthens your muscles, even if you don’t move an inch. Mental imagery not only activates the same brain regions as the actual movement but also can speed up the learning of a new skill. Mental imagery and sports performance Mental imagery, mental practice, or visualisation is a technique… Continue Reading
We tend to think of our emotions such as anger, sadness or guilt, as something to avoid at all costs. But research finds that negative emotions, anger in particular, also have an upside. Putting your negative emotions to good use. All emotions are useful, even the ones we tend to think of as negative… Continue Reading
Work harder? Why do some people fail to achieve their goals, even when they start with the very best of intentions? Are they poorly disciplined? Are they lacking in willpower or motivation? Here I look why the best-laid plans go awry, and a simple evidence-based strategy that will help you achieve your goals for 2017.… Continue Reading
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