Do you ever think there is so much to do and so little time? The world we live in is fast-paced; it’s endlessly changing and it compels us to be busy. When you're peddling fast, it's easy to let good habits slip like eating well, sleeping well and doing exercise every day.

Working harder and longer might build your professional reputation in the short term, however, these choices are costly for your brain. Studies show that poor nutrition, lack of sleep and being sedentary dramatically impacts neuron production and degrades our thinking skills.

Thankfully, we have the power to prioritise a better work-life integration and we can harness our brain's plasticity to our cognitive advantage.

In this episode, Sharon Longridge chats with Dr. Jenny Brockis. Jenny is a TEDx speaker, thought leader, and best-selling author specialising in cognitive health and high-performance thinking. She has recently published her new book ‘Thriving Mind.’ Jenny has dedicated her life to others' wellbeing and her vision is to encourage people to live a happy, flourishing life.

Today she talks about brain fitness and the importance of having a rested, refueled, and energised mind. Self-care, mindfulness and self-compassion are also crucial to keep our brain in shape. She also reveals the advantages of being curious and building mental flexibility.   

What we cover

• Mental capital - the magic combo of emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility
• Brain fitness - keeping your brain in great shape
• Survivor mode - the brain looking for the nearest exit
• Brain food - what type of food is the best for a healthy mind
• Gut bacteria - how it influences our brain
• What we eat - links between food, depression, anxiety and mood changes
• Keep moving - exercise is neuroprotective so stand up for your brain
• Mindfulness - how mindfulness reduces stress and enhances wellbeing
• The plasticity of the brain - the crucial role of curiosity and stretching mental muscles

Resources

• Connect with Dr Jenny Brockis 
• Jenny Brockis: Our Brains Need Attention - TEDxUniMelb
• IG: @drjennybrockis
• Twitter: @drjennybrockis